Directed by
David Ayer
Made by
GEM Entertainment
Discover the intricate plot of The Tax Collector (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.
In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, David Cuevas, portrayed by Bobby Soto, enjoys a fulfilling life with his devoted wife, Cinthya Carmona, and their two young children, amidst the excitement of family festivities. As preparations for his niece’s quinceañera unfold, David is hard at work at his auto electronics shop, where he partners with Shia LaBeouf as Creeper and also includes his cousin Lupe, portrayed by Chelsea Rendon. The duo soon encounters a recent addition to their criminal organization, Victor, a rising gangster who operates under the watchful eye of the mysterious Wizard, who continues to orchestrate events from behind bars.
Amidst navigating a network of local gangs, David and Creeper collect payments for Wizard. Their journey leads them to visit David’s Uncle Louis, played by George Lopez, where they confirm Victor’s payment and continue gathering funds throughout the city. Trouble brews when a team member captures a member of the rival Bloods gang due to a slight against their leader’s girlfriend. Taking matters into his own hands, David bravely rescues the captured individual, diffusing what could have escalated into a full-blown gang war.
After restoring the Bloods’ member to his leader, Bone, David finds himself torn between family obligations and the burgeoning gang tensions. As Alexis confronts him about a $20,000 shortfall in Victor’s payment, David and Creeper take on the task of tracking him down. The confrontation ends with a shocking revelation when Victor confesses that he has been skimming funds to cover his daughter’s leukemia treatment, an emotional connection that strikes a chord with David, a loving family man.
In the meantime, David and Creeper’s next objective is a hefty $200,000 payment from a contact named Venom, but they are confronted by Jose Conejo Martin, a frightening new gang leader known for his ruthlessness. The situation turns precarious as Conejo asserts that Venom now operates under his control, leaving David and Creeper empty-handed. David shares this alarming news with Louis, who reveals the complicated history between Wizard and Conejo, setting the stage for impending conflict.
While Creeper advocates for decisive action against Conejo, Louis insists on gathering input from other gang leaders to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Meanwhile, David grapples with his personal life, finding solace in Alexis’s unwavering support. The conflict escalates as tension mounts during David’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, where he wrestles with his identity amid escalating violence in his community.
The night of the quinceañera festivities is disrupted when Louis mysteriously disappears to meet with Conejo’s counterpart, Gata. David’s peace is shattered when Gata unexpectedly arrives, insisting he and Creeper accompany her to an alarming meeting with Conejo. It is here they are met with a grisly sight—Louis’s severed head and hands, a chilling testament to the violent power struggle at play. Conejo offers David and Creeper a place in his organization, promising the power they lack under Wizard’s reign, but they depart silently, resolute against betrayal.
In the days that follow, David’s resentment towards the crime-riddled conditions of their city is palpable, despite the protestations of his men urging him to leave. The situation deteriorates as Conejo conducts a macabre human sacrifice and subsequently launches a deadly attack on David’s shop with a pipe bomb, resulting in the deaths of his loyal friends and the capture of Creeper. David narrowly escapes and races home to protect his family as Gata exacts gruesome revenge on Creeper.
Devastated by the loss of Alexis and angered by Conejo’s menacing hold over their family, David learns of Favi’s deceit in sending their children away. Conejo coldly reveals he has taken their children captive, demanding that David comply with his sinister demands or face dire repercussions. Desperate, David turns to Bone, who mobilizes a group to enact a daring rescue.
Their harrowing journey leads them to a drug-infested lair, where they extract crucial information from one of Conejo’s subordinates through brutal interrogation. Ultimately, their efforts are rewarded when they locate David’s children unharmed, yet Conejo remains elusive, having dispatched his grandmother to reveal the children’s whereabouts after David showed her mercy.
As David is ferried to receive medical treatment, a significant revelation strikes him: Wizard is, in fact, his father. Faced with this stark truth, he resolutely rejects Wizard’s path and abandons the call, seeking hope in his faith as Wizard pleads for forgiveness from afar. This harrowing tale intertwines love, loyalty, and the depths of despair as David battles against the tides of violence threatening to engulf his family and community.
Track the key events of The Tax Collector (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Family Celebration
David Cuevas enjoys a vibrant life in Los Angeles with his wife and children. Preparations for his niece's quinceañera are taking place, filling the air with excitement and family festivities.
Auto Electronics Shop
David works hard at his auto electronics shop, teaming up with Creeper, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, and his cousin Lupe. Their business thrives, providing a backdrop to the growing tensions outside.
Victor Joins the Crew
A new member, Victor, is introduced into David and Creeper's criminal organization. Operated under the watchful eye of a figure known only as Wizard, Victor's presence hints at rising tensions within the gang.
Collecting Payments
David and Creeper embark on a mission to collect payments for Wizard. Their journey leads them to visit David's Uncle Louis, where they confirm Victor's payment, marking their involvement in the local gang dynamics.
Rescue Mission
When a team member captures an enemy gang member from the Bloods, David feels compelled to act. He bravely rescues the individual, preventing a potential gang war and demonstrating his sense of loyalty.
Confrontation with Victor
Tensions rise when Alexis confronts David about a missing $20,000 in Victor's payment. The search for Victor leads to a shocking confession about his struggles to afford his daughter's leukemia treatment.
Meeting Venom
David and Creeper set their sights on collecting a hefty payment from a contact named Venom. However, they are confronted by Jose Conejo Martin, a dangerous new gang leader, complicating their plans.
Conflict Brewing
As tensions mount, Louis explains the complicated past between Wizard and Conejo after David shares the alarming news of their encounter. This sets the stage for a potential gang conflict that threatens their lives.
Quinceañera Disruption
During the quinceañera festivities, the atmosphere shifts when Louis goes missing. David’s worries intensify when Gata arrives, insisting on a meeting with Conejo, leading to shocking revelations and violence.
Brutal Decision
In a grim twist, David and Creeper find Louis's severed head upon meeting Conejo. This gruesome sight escalates tensions, leading them to refuse Conejo's offer to join his gang.
Escalating Violence
Following the death of Louis, David's resentment towards the crime-infested city deepens. He faces threats to his own shop and community as Conejo launches a ruthless attack, marking a violent escalation.
Desperate Measures
David's family is put in jeopardy as Conejo captures their children, demanding compliance with his sinister plans. In a desperate bid, David seeks help from Bone for their rescue, intensifying their plight.
Rescue Mission Success
After a harrowing journey and brutal interrogation of Conejo's subordinate, David and Bone finally locate his children unharmed. However, Conejo remains elusive, keeping the threat alive.
Shocking Revelation
As David recovers from his injuries, he uncovers the shocking truth that Wizard is his father. This revelation strikes a blow against his understanding of loyalty and family amidst the chaos.
Newfound Hope
In the face of despair, David rejects Wizard's path, seeking solace in his faith. This decision marks the beginning of his battle against the violence threatening his family and community.
Meet the characters that bring The Tax Collector (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
David Cuevas
David is a devoted family man trapped in a world of crime. He struggles to maintain his moral compass while trying to protect his family from the perilous world around them. His emotional depth is revealed through his interactions with other characters and his desperate quest for justice.
Creeper
Creeper is David's partner in the criminal world, embodying a more aggressive approach to their dealings. He often pushes for decisive action in the face of challenges, showcasing a complex character who balances loyalty to David with the ruthless demands of their life. His presence adds tension and depth to the narrative.
Alexis
Alexis is David's supportive wife who embodies strength and resilience. She confronts the harsh realities of their life and the impact of crime on their family. Her role highlights the struggles women face in such situations and their inherent power in holding the family unit together.
Uncle Louis
Louis is a father figure and mentor to David who provides guidance amid gang tensions. His character is crucial as he tries to mediate conflicts and prevent violence within the community. His eventual fate serves to underline the film's violent realities.
Victor
Victor is a rising gangster whose actions catalyze much of the story's conflict. His struggles with morality and family create a complex character dilemma, especially as his motivations become intertwined with his daughter’s health issues, presenting him as both an antagonist and a tragic figure.
Conejo
Conejo is portrayed as a ruthless gang leader, embodying the violent reality of organized crime. His character represents the dangers David faces and serves as a primary antagonist throughout the narrative. His actions provoke chaos, intensifying the film’s tension.
Uncover the settings of The Tax Collector (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.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and sprawling layout. It serves as a backdrop for many stories, often highlighting the struggle between crime and family. The city's neighborhoods are intertwined with various social dynamics and local gang affiliations, setting the stage for intense conflict.
Explore the core themes of The Tax Collector (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
The theme of justice permeates the story as David navigates the criminal underbelly of Los Angeles. He grapples with the moral implications of his actions while seeking to protect his family. The quest for justice becomes a personal mission amid gang rivalries and violent confrontations.
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Family Loyalty
Family loyalty is a central theme as David balances the demands of his criminal life with his commitments to loved ones. His relationships are tested by the violence surrounding him and the choices he must make. The deep emotional ties illustrate the sacrifices individuals make for their families.
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Violence
Violence is an ever-present force in the film, affecting the characters' lives and shaping their fates. The brutal power struggles between rival gangs lead to disastrous consequences, pushing David towards desperate measures. This theme underscores how violence can permeate community and family life.
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