Son of a Gun

Son of a Gun 2015

Directed by

Julius Avery

Julius Avery

Made by

A24

A24

Test your knowledge of Son of a Gun with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Son of a Gun (2015). 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.


A 19-year-old named JR (Brenton Thwaites) finds himself in an Australian correctional facility, sentenced to six months for a minor offense. Upon arrival, he quickly witnesses the disturbing reality of prison life, discovering that his cellmate is being sexually assaulted by a group of inmates led by a menacing figure named Dave. Throughout his first few days, JR also encounters the infamous Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor), who is known as Australia’s public enemy #1 and a notorious armed robber. One day, while passing, JR engages Lynch in a game of chess, unintentionally pointing out a hidden checkmate setup. Initially disregarded, JR soon finds himself pulled deeper into the harsh dynamics of prison life.

As tensions rise, JR learns that his cellmate is sharpening a shiv to defend himself against Dave. When Dave and his gang target the cellmate again, JR intervenes to protect him, resulting in a violent confrontation. This act of bravery earns him a stern reprimand from Lynch, who warns him to mind his own business. Tragically, JR’s cellmate attempts suicide in a desperate escape from his tormentors, leading to him being hospitalized and leaving JR vulnerable to Dave’s advances. Eventually, when JR faces an attack from Dave, he is dramatically saved by Lynch and his accomplices, Sterlo (Matt Nable) and Merv (Eddie Baroo), who eliminate Dave in a violent confrontation.

Once released, JR enters a world of crime orchestrated by Sam (Jacek Koman), a crime lord who is currently engaged in a chess match with Lynch. JR is given a new apartment and a briefcase containing various criminal tools, including fake passports, clothing, and a pistol. Shortly after settling in, he meets Tasha (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful woman who provides him cash and a cellphone for further instructions, introducing JR to the reality of his new life. Following guidance, JR makes a clandestine purchase of assault weapons and even hijacks a helicopter to aid in Lynch’s escape from prison. The four men, including the hostage pilot, manage to execute a daring escape plan using a hostage from the prison as leverage.

As they regroup, tensions within the crew surface when Merv’s dark past is unveiled, leading to a brutal confrontation where Lynch ejects him from the group. Meanwhile, a lucrative gold heist at Kalgoorlie is planned, with Sam pulling strings behind the scenes. At a party thrown by Sam, JR’s burgeoning relationship with Tasha blossoms, igniting a romance that complicates his criminal association, especially when Lynch warns JR to stay focused on their impending heist.

On the day of the heist, JR infiltrates the quarry, playing a pivotal role in ensuring no one hits the panic button. However, the meticulously planned operation takes a violent turn when tension escalates, leading Josh to make a reckless decision that spirals into chaos as police intervention begins. In the ensuing fracas, Sterlo suffers a grave injury and ultimately dies, urging Lynch to dedicate his share of the heist to Sterlo’s wife.

Betrayed by Sam, JR, Tasha, and Lynch nonetheless manage to escape. Their journey leads them to a dramatic confrontation where they undermine Sam and his crew, ultimately killing him in a ruthless showdown while they secure the stolen gold. As the story unfolds, JR reveals his cunning plan to double-cross Lynch, orchestrating a new alliance with Tasha, as tension mounts regarding their future together amidst their dangerous lifestyle.

As the dust settles, JR cunningly sends Lynch a postcard outlining the location of the gold while revealing Tasha’s pregnancy, suggesting a glimmer of hope and a new beginning in their tumultuous lives. The saga ends with a note of intrigue and optimism, culminating in an unexpected twist that leaves the future uncertain yet promising.

Timeline

Track the key events of Son of a Gun (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


JR's Arrival at Prison

Nineteen-year-old JR arrives at an Australian correctional facility, having been sentenced to six months for a minor offense. Upon entering, he is immediately struck by the grim atmosphere and the harsh reality of incarcerated life.

Australian correctional facility

Witnessing Violence

Shortly after his arrival, JR witnesses a disturbing scene in which his cellmate is being sexually assaulted by a group of men led by the dangerous inmate Dave. This shocking experience serves as a wake-up call for JR, revealing the brutal environment he is now part of.

Prison cell

Meeting Brendan Lynch

JR encounters Brendan Lynch, known as Australia’s public enemy #1 and a notorious armed robber. Their interaction begins innocently with a game of chess, during which JR inadvertently highlights a hidden checkmate, attracting Lynch's attention.

Prison common area

Cellmate's Attempt to Defend Himself

Tensions escalate when JR learns that his cellmate is preparing to defend himself by sharpening a shiv against his attackers. The dire situation becomes more grave as JR's cellmate becomes increasingly desperate for safety.

Cell

Confrontation with Dave

When Dave and his gang target JR's cellmate again, JR steps in to intervene, leading to a violent scuffle. Although this act garners him respect, it also earns him a stern warning from Lynch to keep out of others' business.

Prison yard

Cellmate's Tragic Fate

In a desperate response to the ongoing assaults, JR’s cellmate attempts suicide, leaving JR feeling anguished and exposed to Dave's threats. This tragic event illustrates the psychological toll of prison life.

Hospital

Rescue from Dave

JR is unexpectedly rescued from an attack by Dave when Lynch and his associates, Sterlo and Merv, intervene with brutal force. This rescue showcases the unanticipated alliances that can form in dire situations.

Prison

Life After Release

Upon his release, JR is pulled into a life of crime orchestrated by crime lord Sam. He receives a new apartment filled with criminal paraphernalia, marking his transition into a new and dangerous existence.

New apartment

Meeting Tasha

Shortly after settling into his new life, JR meets Tasha, who provides him with cash and a cellphone for communication regarding their illicit activities. This marks the beginning of a romantic connection that complicates his criminal path.

Apartment

Planning the Heist

As JR becomes further involved with Lynch's crew, they plan a gold heist at Kalgoorlie, solidifying his place in their criminal operations. The tension builds as the group prepares to execute their daring plan.

Kalgoorlie

The Heist Goes Wrong

During the heist, JR plays a critical role in preventing a panic button from being hit, but chaos ensues when a rash decision escalates tensions. This ultimately leads to a violent confrontation with the police.

Gold quarry

Sterlo's Sacrifice

In the ensuing chaos of the heist, Sterlo suffers a life-threatening injury, resulting in his tragic death. This loss deeply impacts the group and prompts Lynch to reflect on his loyalty and commitment to their cause.

Gold quarry

Double-Crossing Sam

After being betrayed by Sam, JR, Tasha, and Lynch orchestrate a violent retaliation, culminating in Sam's brutal murder. This moment marks a significant turning point in JR's life, solidifying his immersion into the criminal underworld.

Warehouse

Declaring Independence

As JR consolidates his plans, he reveals a cunning scheme to double-cross Lynch while professing his love for Tasha. Their relationship blossoms amidst the chaos, igniting hope for a future beyond their criminal lives.

Concealed location

A New Beginning

In the aftermath, JR sends Lynch a postcard revealing the location of the stolen gold and sharing Tasha's pregnancy news. This twist suggests an unexpected future filled with both challenges and aspirations.

Unknown

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Son of a Gun (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


JR (Brenton Thwaites)

JR is a 19-year-old who finds himself thrust into a perilous world after being sent to prison for a minor crime. His naivety quickly wears off as he learns to navigate the violence and manipulation surrounding him, growing from a vulnerable youth into a cunning player in the criminal underworld.

👦 Youth ⚖️ Innocence 🧠 Cunning

Brendan Lynch (Ewan McGregor)

Brendan Lynch is a notorious criminal with a menacing presence in the prison world. His intelligence and ruthlessness quickly become evident as he entangles JR in his plans, serving as both mentor and adversary, blurring the lines of loyalty and betrayal.

💼 Criminal 🧠 Manipulative ⚔️ Menacing

Tasha (Alicia Vikander)

Tasha is a beautiful and resourceful woman who becomes romantically involved with JR. Her involvement in his life complicates his decisions and showcases her own resilience and strength in navigating the criminal landscape.

❤️ Love 💪 Strong 🤝 Resourceful

Sam (Jacek Koman)

Sam is a crime lord orchestrating various nefarious activities. His manipulative machinations create tension and conflict within the group, and his betrayal ultimately drives JR to redefine his alliances.

👑 Crime Lord 🧠 Manipulative ⚔️ Ruthless

Setting

Uncover the settings of Son of a Gun (2015), 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

Contemporary

The events of the film unfold in a contemporary timeframe, reflecting the challenges and realities of modern criminal life and the impact of incarceration on youth. It explores themes of survival, loyalty, and betrayal in an increasingly volatile landscape.

Location

Australian correctional facility, Kalgoorlie

The movie primarily takes place in an Australian correctional facility, known for its harsh environment and brutal hierarchy among inmates. Kalgoorlie, a gold mining town, serves as a backdrop for the heist, renowned for its rich deposits of gold and the gritty reality of crime associated with it.

🇦🇺 Australia 🏢 Prison ⛏️ Gold Mining

Themes

Explore the core themes of Son of a Gun (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚔️

Survival

The theme of survival is central to JR's journey as he navigates the treacherous dynamics of prison life and later in the criminal underworld. He faces numerous dangers, from violence to betrayal, and must make decisions that impact both his life and the lives of those around him.

💔

Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme throughout the film, showcasing how trust can easily shatter in the world of crime. JR experiences betrayal from those he thought he could rely on, forcing him to adapt and ultimately shape his destiny.

❤️

Love

The relationship between JR and Tasha introduces a theme of love amidst chaos. Their romance complicates JR's criminal path, highlighting the struggle between personal desires and the dangers of his chosen life.

© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.