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Small Crimes

Small Crimes 2017

Directed by

E.L. Katz

E.L. Katz

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Small Crimes (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Former cop Joe Denton (Joe Denton) finally sees a glimmer of freedom after spending six long years behind bars for crimes committed while entangled with a powerful organization. Known infamously as the “slash cop,” his brutal attack on District Attorney Phil Coakley has left a mark on both his life and reputation. Returning to his modest home, Denton is greeted by his elderly parents, who are not at all pleased with their son’s tarnished past.

As he seeks redemption, Denton finds himself entangled in an online share with his ex-wife, whose cold demeanor and veiled threats plunge him deeper into despair. Undeterred, he ventures out one night to a familiar local bar, where he reconnects with Scotty, the brother of his deceased partner, who extends a hand in support.

In a twist of fate, a chance encounter with the bar’s young patron, the daughter of Coakley, leads to a shocking incident of self-harm that escalates quickly. Following a brutal attack by two men, Denton retaliates with ferocity, leaving the authorities to investigate. Thankfully, Coakley concedes that the evidence backs Denton’s account and chooses not to press charges, igniting contempt in the eyes of Lieutenant Pleasant, who sees Denton as a blemish on the force.

Pleasant then manipulates Denton into engaging with his violent past by targeting the infamous mob boss Manny Vassey. By convincing Denton to eliminate Vassey—whose newfound Christian faith prompts a moral crisis—Pleasant dangles the possibility of improving Denton’s settlement with his ex-wife in front of him.

Just when Denton contemplates this morally ambiguous choice, he has an unexpected encounter with Charlotte Boyd, Vassey’s compassionate hospice nurse. Sparks fly, and Denton begins to develop feelings for her. However, his budding romance is threatened by Junior Vassey, the ruthless son of the mob boss, eager to eliminate anyone who ventures too close to his ailing father.

Amidst escalating tensions and increasing skepticism from his parents about his choices, Denton lashes out in frustration. After reconnecting with Boyd at a diner, they embark on a romantic relationship. However, when Pleasant threatens both Denton and his family, he turns to Boyd for advice on how to confront Vassey.

As Denton’s plans falter, Pleasant suggests an even darker path: eliminating Coakley. Yet, this time Denton refuses to comply. Instead, he resorts to dubious tactics, employing Toni, a local prostitute with ties to Coakley, to record their clandestine rendezvous. Setting a hidden camera in Coakley’s motel room, Denton anxiously waits. But chaos breaks out when Rooster, Toni’s enraged boyfriend, arrives, leading to a tragic series of events. Violence erupts, resulting in the murder of Toni and a brutal showdown between Coakley and Rooster.

In the wake of this carnage, Denton’s life unravels completely. A heated confrontation with his parents culminates when an unknown shooter attacks, leaving his mother gravely wounded and Denton lost. Seeking solace, he confides in Boyd, whose misguided sense of justice leads her down a violent path targeting Vassey. When Junior kidnaps Denton and viciously assaults Boyd, betrayal and despair engulf him.

As the pieces of his shattered life fall into place, Denton learns that Scotty was responsible for the violence that nearly cost his mother her life. In a fit of rage, he confronts Junior, leading to a brutal clash that leaves Scotty seriously injured. The revelation of Coakley’s death at Pleasant’s hands sends Denton’s world spiraling once more.

Desperate to regain control, Denton ransacks his parents’ home, searching for hidden dirty money. The discovery of cash ignites his rage as he vows to protect his children, but his father stands firm against his self-destructive impulses. In a harrowing climax, Denton’s father strikes him down with a knife, and in his final breaths, Denton orchestrates a cruel twist of fate, ensuring his father bears the blame for the tragic end of his life.

Timeline

Track the key events of Small Crimes (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Joe Denton's Release

Former cop Joe Denton is released after serving six years in prison for crimes he committed while involved with a corrupt organization. As he steps back into the world, he is immediately confronted by the stigma of being known as the 'slash cop' due to his brutal attack on District Attorney Phil Coakley.

Denton Returns Home

Upon returning to his modest home, Joe is met with disappointment from his elderly parents, who are ashamed of his tarnished reputation. Their disapproval adds to Joe's already heavy burden as he seeks a path toward redemption.

Joe's family home

Interaction with Ex-Wife

Denton re-establishes contact with his ex-wife, who carries a cold demeanor and throws veiled threats his way. This encounter plunges Joe deeper into despair, reminding him of the repercussions of his past decisions.

Reunion with Scotty

While seeking refuge at a familiar local bar, Joe reconnects with Scotty, the brother of his deceased partner. Scotty offers support, sharing a camaraderie that reignites a flicker of hope for Denton amid his turbulent life.

Local bar

Disturbing Incident at the Bar

At the bar, a tense encounter occurs with a young woman, who turns out to be Coakley's daughter. This event escalates into a shocking instance of self-harm, triggering violent reactions that change the course of Denton's night.

Local bar

Denton's Retaliation

Following an assault by two men at the bar, Joe defends himself with ferocity, showcasing both his physical prowess and emotional turmoil. Fortunately, evidence supports his claims, prompting Coakley to choose not to pursue further charges, which angers Lieutenant Pleasant.

Local bar

Manipulation by Lieutenant Pleasant

Lieutenant Pleasant manipulates Denton into confronting his violent history by suggesting he eliminate mob boss Manny Vassey. Despite Vassey's newfound Christian faith, Pleasant dangles the promise of a better settlement with Joe's ex-wife, pulling him back into danger.

Meeting Charlotte Boyd

Joe unexpectedly encounters Charlotte Boyd, Vassey's compassionate hospice nurse, and begins to feel an attraction towards her. This budding relationship provides Denton a glimpse of normalcy and warmth amid chaos.

Threats from Junior Vassey

As Joe's feelings for Charlotte grow, they face danger from Junior Vassey, who is intent on eliminating threats to his father. This increases the stakes for Denton, complicating his connection with Charlotte and pushing him toward confrontation.

Romantic Relationship with Boyd

After reconnecting with Charlotte at a diner, Joe embarks on a romantic relationship that brings him joy. However, Pleasant threatens Joe and his family, overshadowing their happiness with impending danger.

Diner

Denton’s Descent into Deceit

In a desperate bid for information, Joe employs Toni, a local prostitute, to gather evidence against Coakley through a hidden camera setup. The mission takes a dark turn when chaos erupts due to Rooster, Toni's violent boyfriend, leading to tragic outcomes.

Coakley's motel room

Tragic Aftermath

Following the destructive incident at Coakley's motel, Joe's life spirals out of control as he becomes a target of chaos and violence. He confronts his parents, revealing the depth of his despair as they suffer from anxiety over his dangerous choices.

Kidnapping and Betrayal

Joe is kidnapped by Junior Vassey, who attacks Boyd, leading to feelings of betrayal and despair for Denton. This brutal event encapsulates the perilous game he is caught in, pulling him further away from any hope of redemption.

Confrontation with Scotty

In a shocking turn of events, Joe learns that Scotty was implicated in violence that led to his mother being wounded. In a rage, he confronts Junior, resulting in a brutal clash that severely injures Scotty, revealing the complex web of betrayals surrounding him.

Final Moments and Tragic End

In a heart-wrenching climax, Denton confronts his father about hidden dirty money, leading to a violent showdown. Tragically, in the final moments of his life, Joe orchestrates a cruel fate that sees his father bearing the weight of his tragic downfall.

Joe's family home

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Small Crimes (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Joe Denton

Joe Denton is a former cop grappling with the fallout of his actions and yearning for redemption after serving six years in prison. His character is marked by a complex blend of vulnerability, anger, and determination as he navigates familial relationships and the criminal underworld. Ultimately, Denton's struggle becomes a poignant exploration of choices and consequences.

👮‍♂️ Former Cop 🥀 Troubled Past 🛡️ Search for Redemption

Charlotte Boyd

Charlotte Boyd is a compassionate hospice nurse who represents a beacon of hope for Joe Denton amidst his chaotic life. As their relationship develops, she becomes a pivotal support but is also drawn into the violence surrounding Denton. Charlotte's character highlights the fragility of innocence in a deceptive world rife with moral dilemmas.

❤️ Compassion 🏥 Caregiver 💔 Romantic Interest

Lieutenant Pleasant

Lieutenant Pleasant embodies the antagonist, representing authority with a dark manipulation of Denton's life. He exploits Denton's vulnerabilities, pushing him towards violent decisions that threaten not only Denton's life but also those he cares about. Pleasant’s deceitful nature adds depth to the story, illustrating the conflicts between duty, morality, and personal vendettas.

🦹‍♂️ Antagonist 🔍 Manipulative ⚔️ Authority

Setting

Uncover the settings of Small Crimes (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, exploring themes of redemption and the consequences of a turbulent past. It depicts the struggles of a former cop grappling with the repercussions of previous actions while navigating complex personal relationships.

Location

Local bar, Hospice, Diner

The local bar serves as a familiar setting where Joe Denton reconnects with his past, bringing a mix of nostalgia and tension. The hospice, where Charlotte Boyd works, symbolizes compassion amid the darkness of Denton's life choices. The diner becomes a pivotal meeting point for Denton and Boyd, showcasing their growing relationship in an otherwise chaotic environment.

🍺 Bar 💖 Hospice 🍽️ Diner

Themes

Explore the core themes of Small Crimes (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🔄

Redemption

Redemption serves as a central theme as Joe Denton seeks to make amends for his past sins while navigating a morally ambiguous journey. His interactions with his parents, ex-wife, and Charlotte Boyd depict his desperate longing for forgiveness and a fresh start. However, each step he takes brings new challenges, highlighting that redemption is often fraught with peril.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal lurks throughout the narrative, as Denton faces treachery not only from those around him but also from within himself. The shocking revelation of Scotty's involvement and Junior Vassey's violent actions create a web of distrust, leading to tragic outcomes. The theme underscores the fragility of relationships impacted by past grievances.

⚖️

Morality

The film delves into moral ambiguity, exploring choices that challenge traditional notions of right and wrong. Denton's struggle between his violent past and the possibility of a peaceful future creates tension, as his moral compass is tested by coercive influences. The story questions whether redemption is attainable when surrounded by corruption and violence.

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