Directed by
Kurtis David Harder
Made by
Shudder
Discover the intricate plot of Spiral (2020). 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.
As the cinematic experience unfolds, we find ourselves immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of a street festival, where Detective Marv Boswick’s day tragically takes a turn for the worse. A cunning thief manages to snatch away his belongings, prompting Boswick to chase him through the twisting streets, eventually leading into the depths of the city’s sewer system. This gripping pursuit culminates in a brutal showdown, leaving Boswick unconscious on the cold, damp ground beneath him.
Upon regaining consciousness, Boswick discovers himself precariously situated on a stool, bound by razor wire, his tongue ensnared in a gruesome device. A television screen ominously flickers to life, revealing a bone-chilling video message from an unknown sender, eerily echoing the notorious Jigsaw killer. The message delivers a haunting indictment, condemning Boswick for utilizing his tongue to mislead and harm the innocent in court, now forcing him into a horrific predicament: either tear out his own tongue or be “railroaded” by an approaching subway train.
As the fateful moments play out, Boswick’s desperate struggles prove in vain as the train barrels toward him, extinguishing not just his hopes but also his very existence. The scene dramatically transitions to Zeke Banks, an undercover officer immersed in a chaotic robbery attempt gone awry. With escaping under duress from law enforcement, it becomes apparent that Banks’ cover has been compromised, leading him to return to his previous role as a detective. Assigned a rookie partner, William Schenk, by Captain Angie Garza, Banks faces the challenge of adapting to the hostile dynamics within the precinct, particularly due to the resentment stemming from his past actions against a corrupt officer.
As the investigation into the subway’s horrifying discovery unfolds, Banks and Schenk remain oblivious to the chilling connection to Boswick’s gruesome demise. Their unlikely partnership faces tests of loyalty and integrity amidst a tangled web of deceit, corruption, and the very essence of justice. A cryptic package arrives for Banks, containing a USB drive with a sinister message from this new incarnation of Jigsaw, alongside a pig marionette donned in police attire. The message is a revelation of a perverse mission: to reform the police department through a series of gruesome murders, culminating in a distressing symbol of a spiral inscribed on the courthouse wall – an omen of the impending chaos.
Following this distressing revelation, the police department is thrown into turmoil, leading to a grim discovery at the courthouse: Boswick’s tongue and badge, signaling the killer’s direct targeting of the force. In the midst of personal loss, Banks pays a solemn visit to Boswick’s grieving widow, all while navigating a turbulent argument with his ex-wife at the funeral.
As the narrative unfolds, flashbacks reveal the profound complexities of Banks’ history, including the pivotal moment when he bravely testified against corrupt officer Pete, fostering a fraught legacy that haunts his relationship with his estranged father, Marcus. Meanwhile, Detectives Kraus and Fitch tirelessly pursue the lead on Boswick’s final chase, only to discover they’ve been outmaneuvered by an adversary lurking in the shadows.
The tension intensifies as Banks seeks guidance from Marcus, only to find him missing. A flashback unveils Marcus’ disapproval of Banks’ courageous decision regarding Pete, illuminating the deep-seated resentments that linger between them. The ritualistic horror of the Jigsaw killer continues, plunging the precinct into a downward spiral of violence and manipulation that has them grappling with their ideals of justice.
As the investigation unearths more gruesome evidence, the police converge on a stark reality — their colleague Fitch finds himself ensnared in the killer’s merciless game, forced to face the consequences of his own dark past. Meanwhile, the stakes rise as Schenk becomes further embroiled in the unfolding chaos, ultimately leading Banks to confront moral dilemmas that challenge the very fabric of his belief system.
In the chaos, he uncovers the horrific truth about his newest partner, Schenk, revealing him as the orchestrator of this tormenting game, whose vendetta runs deep against the corrupt law enforcement system. Schenk unveils a well-crafted plan for justice twisted by personal vengeance, ultimately leading Banks into a harrowing experience as he grapples with the ramifications of his actions.
With the race against time peaking, Schenk presents Banks with a heart-wrenching choice between saving his father or putting an end to the madness. As the police arrive, a tragic confrontation ensues, leading to an emotional climax that tests Banks’s convictions and brings forth haunting consequences of betrayal, revenge, and ultimately the relentless pursuit of justice in a corrupt world.
Track the key events of Spiral (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Street Festival
The movie opens in a vibrant and lively street festival, setting an upbeat atmosphere. Detective Marv Boswick enjoys his day among the crowds, unaware of the impending chaos that will soon unfold.
The Theft
During the festivities, a cunning thief snatches Boswick's belongings, disrupting the joyous occasion. Boswick immediately pursues the thief through the crowded streets, determined to regain what was stolen.
Descent into the Sewer
The intense chase leads Boswick into the depths of the city's sewer system, where the thrill turns to danger. This dark and claustrophobic environment sets the stage for an unexpected confrontation.
The Showdown
In a brutal showdown beneath the city, Boswick faces off against the thief. The confrontation escalates violently, culminating in Boswick being knocked unconscious and left on the cold, damp ground.
Captive in Horror
Boswick awakens to find himself bound to a stool by razor wire, with his tongue trapped in a gruesome device. A chilling video message from an unknown sender, reminiscent of the Jigsaw killer, begins to play.
The Malicious Ultimatum
The horrifying message accuses Boswick of manipulating justice and gives him a dire choice: tear out his own tongue or face an incoming subway train. The stakes are painfully clear as the countdown begins.
Tragic End
Boswick's desperate struggles to escape are futile as the train barrels toward him. This moment seals his fate, abruptly ending his life and with it, the pursuit of justice he once believed in.
Zeke Banks' Chaos
The narrative shifts to Zeke Banks, an undercover officer amid a chaotic robbery. His return to detective work is marred by the realization that his cover has been blown, jeopardizing his safety.
New Partnership
Banks is assigned to work with rookie cop William Schenk, leading to a challenging dynamic due to past grievances with the police department. Together, they begin a tumultuous journey through investigation.
The Cryptic Package
Banks receives a cryptic package containing a USB drive and a pig marionette dressed as a police officer. The message reveals a twisted mission of murder aimed at reforming the police through horrific means.
Grim Discoveries
The police department is thrown into turmoil as they discover Boswick's severed tongue and badge at the courthouse, an indication that the killer has directly targeted their own. Panic ensues among the officers.
Visit to Grief
Banks pays a visit to Boswick’s grieving widow, showing the personal betrayal and the collateral damage of the investigation. The tension rises when he also faces an explosive argument with his ex-wife at the funeral.
Haunting Flashbacks
Flashbacks reveal Banks' past, highlighting his testimony against corrupt officer Pete, which has embittered his relationship with his father, Marcus. This complex history continues to influence his present choices.
The Downward Spiral
As the investigation deepens, annotations and evidence point to Fitch becoming ensnared in the Jigsaw killer's game. The precinct grapples with profound questions of morality and justice amid the rising tension.
Final Confrontation
In the gripping climax, Banks discovers Schenk's true intentions and his role as the orchestrator of the deadly game. A heart-wrenching choice presents itself, forcing Banks to choose between saving his father or stopping the madness as the police close in.
Meet the characters that bring Spiral (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Zeke Banks
Zeke Banks is a determined undercover officer haunted by his past actions. He struggles with the complexities of his relationships, particularly with his father and ex-wife, amidst a chaotic investigation that reopens old wounds. Banks embodies resilience but faces moral dilemmas that challenge his beliefs as he uncovers the disturbing reality surrounding him.
William Schenk
William Schenk appears as Zeke Banks' rookie partner, initially presenting a façade of loyalty. However, as the story unfolds, Schenk reveals himself to be the orchestrator of the horrifying events, driven by a vendetta against corrupt law enforcement. His hidden motives create a pivotal conflict, forcing Banks to confront betrayal at the deepest level.
Marshal
Marshal is a pivotal figure in the story, representing the law enforcement community's struggle against corruption. His involvement in the investigation highlights the collective challenges faced by police officers as they navigate personal losses and professional dilemmas. Marshal's character adds depth to the overarching theme of justice.
Captain Angie Garza
Captain Angie Garza is depicted as a strong leader navigating the complications of her team's integrity. She assigns Banks a rookie partner, demonstrating her commitment to restoring order within the precinct. Garza's character embodies the struggles of maintaining authority in a chaotic environment.
Uncover the settings of Spiral (2020), 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 does not specify an exact time period, focusing instead on contemporary themes of corruption and moral dilemmas within law enforcement. Elements of modern urban life, such as the policing system and street festivals, create a relatable yet intense environment that resonates with current societal issues.
Location
City, Courthouse, Subway
The movie takes place in a vibrant city during a bustling street festival, known for its chaos and vibrant atmosphere. The courthouse, a significant location in the plot, symbolizes justice and law enforcement, while the subway system serves as a backdrop for both the investigation and the horrifying events that unfold. These settings contribute to the tension and drama as the characters navigate their challenges amidst these iconic urban spaces.
Explore the core themes of Spiral (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚖️
Justice
The theme of justice permeates the storyline as detectives grapple with their ethics amidst a corrupt system. The film explores the consequences of betrayal and the lengths to which individuals will go to restore their sense of justice. The pursuit of genuine reform contrasts with the brutal methods employed by the Jigsaw killer, posing questions about the true nature of justice in society.
💔
Betrayal
Betrayal is a pivotal theme as the protagonist, Zeke Banks, confronts treachery both in his professional realm and personal life. His partner, Schenk, ultimately reveals a deeper vendetta against the corrupt system, forcing Banks to contend with feelings of deception. This theme is amplified by the emotional complexities surrounding family, trust, and the personal cost of integrity.
🌀
Corruption
Corruption serves as a haunting backdrop throughout the narrative, depicted through the actions of both law enforcement and the vengeful killer. It highlights the systemic issues that plague the characters, influencing their decisions and relationships. The film draws attention to the cyclical nature of corruption, as characters battle not only external threats but also their inner demons.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.