The Last Days of American Crime

The Last Days of American Crime 2020

Directed by

Olivier Megaton

Olivier Megaton

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary


As Graham Bricke (Édgar Ramírez) unleashes a wave of violence upon a defenseless victim, the chilling words “the Dumois family will never stop hunting me” reverberate through the barren environment like a relentless echo. In a moment of desperation, the victim reveals that Johnny D had betrayed him, sealing his own grim fate. With a sinister flair, Bricke leaves the carnage behind, alongside a blazing inferno that carries the unmistakable scent of gasoline-soaked despair.

In this dystopian realm where crime runs rampant, the United States government’s bold initiative, the “American Peace Initiative” (API), is hailed as a groundbreaking remedy for rampant lawlessness. This neural blocker claims to rewire the human brain, effectively incapacitating individuals from executing vile acts that they are aware are wrong. However, widespread skepticism and a sense of desperation permeate society, as individuals attempt to flee to Canada, only to be viciously cut down in their attempts.

As the past collides with the present, Bricke’s turbulent tale begins to unravel like a tangled skein of twine. A year before, he and his notorious crew were considered the most feared and revered bank robbers globally, with their exploits awarding them a dubious title as the “best” thieves. They operated with immunity as long as they shared their plunder with the Dumois crime family.

Everything changed when Bricke’s brother Rory (Daniel Fox) was set to start a prison term, leaving Graham with a grave warning to survive at all costs. Six months later, the government activated the API device, abruptly disrupting one of Bricke’s high-stakes heists mid-robbery. Amid chaos and confusion, a crew member met a gruesome end, forcing Bricke and the few remaining members to escape with their lives and whatever meager treasure they could gather.

In the ensuing post-mortem, Lonnie (Brandon Auret), a merciless henchman from the Dumois family, came demanding his share of the loot, only to be met with Bricke’s cunning lies that everything was lost. Unbeknownst to Lonnie, Bricke had secreted away a significant sum, conceiving it as his ticket out of this dire situation. As the burden of his brother’s death weighed heavily upon him, he received the devastating news that Rory had taken his own life while incarcerated.

With their previously mighty crew collapsing under relentless pressure, Bricke embarked on a solitary quest for vengeance against Johnny D, the deceitful traitor who had set them up. In a cold and calculated manner, he tracked down his former accomplice, delivering a brutal reckoning that would haunt him indefinitely. Thus began Bricke’s harrowing struggle against the inexorable forces of fate.

In a fateful encounter at a dimly lit bar, Bricke’s life intersects with Shelby Dupree (Anna Brewster), igniting a passionate rendezvous in the restroom. However, their intimate moment is abruptly interrupted by Kevin Cash (Michael Pitt), who has been on Bricke’s trail. As they converse, the shadow of Rory’s brutal murder at the hands of the prison authorities and the API signal lingers over them. Kevin unveils his intention to seek revenge against a government that plans to buy back stolen money from criminals before the API activation renders it worthless. Shelby’s unexpected revelation as Kevin’s fiancée leads them to propose a daring heist: disrupt an API tower just long enough to execute their crime and flee to Canada before the signal can take effect. Initially hesitant, Bricke ultimately consents to join their audacious plan, though his trust remains precariously low.

Meanwhile, Officer William Sawyer (Sharlto Copley) finds himself at gunpoint, targeted by two desperate individuals in search of narcotics at the precinct. Displaying his determination and wits, he manages to disarm one of the assailants and takes control, resulting in a premature dismissal from duty.

As Bricke becomes increasingly entwined in Kevin and Shelby’s high-stakes scheme, he realizes the necessity for cone warheads capable of neutralizing tanks. Realizing his only option is to pillage these resources from the Dumois family, Bricke confronts Kevin about his true identity, learning that he is the son of Dumois, seeking to escape his family’s notorious shadow while aiming to achieve an audacious final act in criminal history—the last crime committed in America.

During a night out at a vibrant club, Bricke witnesses Shelby’s impressive hacking prowess, while Kevin confides in him about the seemingly insurmountable power of the API signal. Tensions rise as Sawyer returns to the precinct, where an unexpected concession from his supervisor grants him the opportunity to return to active duty, even as the remaining officers brace for an implant that allows them to resist the influence of the API.

With the stakes escalating dangerously high, Bricke finds himself ensnared in a labyrinth of deceit and conspiracy, their pursuit of the ultimate prize—a staggering one billion dollars—teetering on the precipice. As dawn breaks, the relationship between Shelby and Bricke intensifies, culminating in a night filled with passion that leaves them both exhilarated. The following day, Bricke confers with his dependable ally and driver, Ross King (Tamer Burjaq), seeking his help for a lucrative heist with monumental stakes.

With the plan taking shape, Bricke approaches Jack Morgan, a government operative, to finalize details for swapping legitimate currency for counterfeit bills. At the same time, Shelby takes it upon herself to craft the fake money, her adeptness born from years of experience. Unbeknownst to Bricke, Shelby’s motivations are more intricate; she has been covertly serving as an informant for the FBI to guarantee her younger sister’s safety while detained.

Despite the successful assurance for her sister’s safe passage to Canada, the FBI makes it clear that failure to cooperate will result in grave consequences for her sibling. Yet, Bricke himself is unaware that Shelby has been shadowed by an unseen observer—Bricke himself.

With the heist in motion, Kevin chauffeurs Bricke to the luxurious Dumois estate, where they enter a glamorous party hosted by the enigmatic Rossi Dumois. While mingling among the guests, Kevin and his sister guide Bricke to Rossi, but the reunion spirals as a bitter grudge between Rossi and Kevin surfaces, culminating in Rossi’s revelation that he attempted to eliminate Kevin following a dalliance with his second wife—who Rossi later murdered.

Tensions erupt as Rossi draws a gun and fires at Kevin; quick-thinking allows Kevin to throw an object, deflecting the fatal bullet away. Wounded and furious, Kevin leads Bricke on a frenzied escape, desperately dodging bullets and evading Rossi’s mercenaries.

As they flee with the warheads, a shocking betrayal unfolds when Kevin’s sister turns against him, aiming a gun at her own brother. With self-preservation as the only option, Kevin dispatches her. Meanwhile, Lonnie discovers Rossi’s slain body, consumed with rage.

As chaos builds, Bricke confronts Shelby regarding her dealings with the FBI, feeling betrayed. However, before he can retaliate, Lonnie intervenes, knocking Bricke unconscious and brutally assaulting him. With Shelby powerless, hope seems to rest solely with her as she realizes that her identity as Kevin’s fiancée could be pivotal and she must act decisively against the unfolding violence.

In a dramatic turn of events, as Lonnie threatens brutal violence toward Shelby, Bricke intervenes, obliterating Lonnie with a chokehold and tenderly rescuing her. With the situation escalating, Bricke seeks insight into the FBI’s motives but learns that they are closing in on Kevin, risking Shelby’s sister’s life in the process. The tension heightens as they share a brief moment of connection before shifting focus back to their dire situation.

The stakes continue to soar as Shelby and Ross commandeer a military-grade vehicle, executing a bold intrusion into the heart of the compound. Shelby devises a clever plan involving Carl, a former flirtation, to launch the API signal while overpowering him to secure her goal. In a visceral moment, Bricke trades genuine funds only for Morgan to unintentionally disclose their counterfeit currency by igniting a bill, sparking a frantic shootout.

As the chaos unfolds, Shelby seizes control, navigating the computer systems right before the API signal is set to activate, thus allowing Kevin and Bricke’s plans to evolve. They manage to escape the igniting chaos under the cover of nightfall.

However, as Sawyer charges onto the scene, he encounters a frantic Shelby, escalating tensions as the government scrambles for control. Although Ross and Bricke are momentarily halted, Kevin exacts his ruthless revenge, brutally disposing of Ross before Bricke’s horrified gaze. In a chilling confession, Kevin recounts his dark history, revealing how the prison authorities misused the API to coerce him into violence against Rory, ultimately leading to his brother’s demise.

Kevin, intoxicated with a new sense of power, turns savagely on Bricke, delivering a relentless beating that leaves Bricke struggling. As FBI agents close in, they find Kevin engaged in his violent display against Bricke, leading to a hail of gunfire attempting to subdue him. In a crucial moment, the agents reveal their twisted intentions, leaving Bricke bleeding as they depart.

In a frantic search for survival, Bricke presses the pill he acquired earlier, discovering its true nature—rather than ending his life, it reverses the effects of the API. Fueled by this revelation, he counters the agents with deadly precision, effortlessly dispatching them and making off with the stolen wealth.

As Shelby finds herself in a life-or-death confrontation with Sawyer, the API’s influence begins rising once again. Refusing to surrender, she seizes an opening and thrust Sawyer onto a shard of glass that fatally pierces his neck.

With the server dismantled, Shelby evades capture, reuniting with Bricke as they commandeer another vehicle to escape toward the Canadian frontier. The ensuing chaos branches them through barricades and fierce gunfire, their love blossoming amidst the turmoil of the chase.

As dawn breaks over a new day, Shelby tends to the mortally wounded Bricke, who professes his love as life slips away. With law enforcement bearing down, she flees with a bag of money, leaving behind the ruins of her past.

In the tranquil aftermath, Shelby finds peace with her sister, scattering Rory’s ashes over a quiet lake as they drive off into the embrace of the Canadian wilderness, liberated at last from the chains of their tumultuous past.

Timeline


Bricke's Violent Act

Graham Bricke unleashes a brutal wave of violence upon a defenseless victim in a remote location. This act is prefaced by the victim's chilling revelation that Johnny D had betrayed him, marking the start of a violent path for Bricke.

Introduction of the American Peace Initiative

In a society gripped by crime and desperation, the United States government introduces the controversial American Peace Initiative (API). This neural blocker aims to rewire individuals’ brains, inhibiting their capacity to commit acts they know to be wrong, but many remain skeptical and attempt to escape to Canada.

United States

Bricke's Notorious Reputation

One year prior, Graham Bricke and his crew were feared and renowned bank robbers, renowned for their heists. However, their immunity depended on sharing their loot with the imposing Dumois crime family.

Rory's Imprisonment

Bricke's brother, Rory, is sentenced to prison, delivering a grave warning to Bricke to survive at all costs. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Graham's eventual tumultuous journey of vengeance.

API Disruption During Heist

Six months later, during one of Bricke's high-stakes heists, the government activates the API, throwing the operation into chaos. This unexpected turbulence leads to the death of a crew member, forcing Bricke and the remaining members to escape with whatever riches they can salvage.

Lies and Deceit

In the aftermath of the botched heist, Lonnie, a henchman from the Dumois family, confronts Bricke demanding his share of the loot. In a moment of cunning, Bricke deceives Lonnie into believing all the money is lost while secretly hoarding a substantial amount for himself.

Tragic News of Rory's Death

Bricke is devastated to learn that his brother Rory has taken his own life while serving time in prison. This revelation adds a heavy burden to Bricke’s psyche, intensifying his grim quest for revenge.

Vengeance Against Johnny D

Haunted by betrayal, Bricke embarks on a vendetta against Johnny D, the traitor responsible for his crew's downfall. He tracks down his former ally and delivers a brutal reckoning, setting the course for his inescapable fate.

Unexpected Encounter with Shelby

In a dimly lit bar, Bricke meets Shelby Dupree, and their passionate rendezvous is abruptly interrupted by Kevin Cash, who reveals troubling truths about Bricke's past and the government's sinister plans. Here, Shelby's identity as Kevin's fiancée complicates matters further.

Bar

Daring Heist Proposal

Kevin, Shelby, and Bricke propose a daring heist to disrupt an API tower just in time to escape to Canada. Despite initial hesitation, Bricke begrudgingly agrees, maintaining a cautious level of suspicion toward Kevin and Shelby.

The Military-Grade Heist Plan

As the group hatches their audacious heist plan, Bricke learns of the need for cone warheads and finds himself forced to raid the resources from the Dumois family. This realization intensifies the stakes, drawing Bricke deeper into a web of danger.

Confrontation at the Dumois Estate

The heist culminates at the Dumois estate, where tensions flare during a party hosted by Rossi Dumois. After a shocking series of betrayals, Bricke and his allies find themselves fleeing from Rossi's mercenaries, escalating the violence.

Dumois Estate

Final Confrontation with Kevin

In a heart-stopping moment, Kevin betrays Bricke, revealing his ruthless side and the dark truths behind Rory's death. As Bricke attempts to process this betrayal, a chaotic struggle erupts, leading to a tragic showdown.

Aftermath and Escape Plans

With Bricke bleeding and the FBI on their trail, Shelby acts decisively to save them. They commandeer a military vehicle, desperate to escape the inevitable fallout of their violent past.

New Beginnings and Peace

In the wake of chaos, Shelby finds solace as she scatters Rory's ashes over a serene lake. With her past behind her, she drives off into the Canadian wilderness, seeking a new beginning alongside the love she shared with Bricke.

Canadian wilderness

Characters


Graham Bricke

Graham Bricke is a complex character shaped by his turbulent past and relentless quest for vengeance. Following the loss of his brother, his transformation from a notorious bank robber to a desperate survivor highlights the psychological toll of betrayal and violence. Driven by a need for redemption, his journey encapsulates the struggle of an individual lost in a morally corrupted world.

🕵️‍♂️ Antihero ⚔️ Vengeance

Shelby Dupree

Shelby Dupree is a resourceful and resilient woman who navigates the treacherous landscape of crime while harboring her own secrets. Her relationship with Bricke adds depth to her character, revealing her vulnerabilities amidst a façade of strength. As a covert informant for the FBI, her motivations blur the lines of loyalty, revealing the complexities of love and survival.

💪 Resourceful 🕵️‍♀️ Informant

Kevin Cash

Kevin Cash is initially presented as a companion to Bricke, but his true identity as the son of a crime family adds layers to his character. Palpable with pain from his past, his quest for vengeance against a corrupt government serves as a catalyst for the film's events. His moral ambiguity and sharp turns reflect the chaotic environment they inhabit.

👤 Betrayer 🎭 Complexity

William Sawyer

William Sawyer is an officer caught in the gripping narrative, representing the force of law amidst escalating chaos. His determination and quick thinking highlight his resolve to maintain order. However, his encounter with Bricke and Shelby reveals the fragile nature of authority when undermined by desperation and moral conflict.

👮‍♂️ Law ⚖️ Authority

Setting


Time period

The narrative unfolds in a near-future setting marked by social unrest and government intervention. The introduction of the American Peace Initiative suggests a contemporary struggle with crime and personal morality, reflecting global fears about authoritarian control and individual freedoms.

Location

United States, Canada

The film is set in a dystopian version of the United States where crime has reached alarming levels, prompting the government to introduce the American Peace Initiative. The tensions of urban life are contrasted with the peaceful escape sought in Canada, representing hope and freedom from the chaos and brutality of their past.

🏙️ Urban 🌲 Nature

Themes


💰

Crime and Betrayal

The movie explores themes of crime as various characters navigate a treacherous underworld filled with deception and betrayal. Graham Bricke’s descent into violence epitomizes the moral complexities faced by criminals, particularly as loyalty and survival become paramount. The consequences of betrayal resonate deeply, especially through the tragic fate of Bricke’s brother.

🔥

Desperation and Survival

The film delves into the desperate measures individuals take when faced with insurmountable odds. Bricke's continual fight for survival becomes a defining aspect of his character, pushing him into a world where ruthlessness is the norm. The emotional toll of losing loved ones heightens the narrative's intensity, emphasizing the lengths people will go to in order to escape their realities.

❤️

Love in Chaos

Amidst the chaos and violence, the relationship between Bricke and Shelby offers a glimpse of hope and humanity. Their love flourishes under dire circumstances, showcasing the power of connection and the desire for emotional refuge in times of turmoil. This theme resonates as they navigate their turbulent pasts together, embodying both fragility and resilience.

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