- R
- 1h 55m
- Directed by
-
- John Hillcoat
- Writer
- Matt Cook
- Premiered
- February 19, 2016
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $20,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $12,600,000.00
- Awards
-
- 4 nominations total
- Country
-
- United States of America
Triple 9
- Production
-
- Surefire Capital
- Worldview Entertainment
- Sierra Pictures
- Anonymous Content
Spoiler
In the grimy underbelly of Atlanta, Georgia, a desperate crew of criminals and compromised lawmen orchestrate a daring bank heist, a gambit that plunges them into a maelstrom of escalating violence, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. "Triple 9," directed by John Hillcoat, is a gritty, action-packed crime thriller that explores the blurred lines between good and evil, where loyalty is a fragile commodity and survival demands an unthinkable price.
The narrative ignites in the dead of night, within the confines of a car where Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Russell Welch (Norman Reedus) discuss their impending criminal enterprise. In the backseat, Russell's younger brother, Gabe (Aaron Paul), a former police officer, listens with a stoic, almost resigned demeanor. Their path soon intersects with Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie) and Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr.), two corrupt detectives deeply entrenched in Michael's operation. Over hushed conversations, they meticulously plan a bank robbery, acutely aware of the razor-thin margin of error – a mere three minutes before police units descend. As they part ways, Franco voices a flicker of apprehension, but Marcus dismisses it with an air of confidence.
Two weeks later, the crew reconvenes. Russell drives the getaway van, while Marcus and Franco, alongside the others, prepare their weapons and don their masks, the tension palpable. Meanwhile, across town, the formidable Russian crime boss Irina Vlasov (Kate Winslet) indulges in a pedicure with her younger sister, Elena (Gal Gadot), while Elena's son, Felix, is present. A chilling phone call interrupts their respite. Irina meets with her enforcers, who reveal a car trunk containing a bound and brutalized couple. The gruesome display intensifies as one of Irina's men presents a plastic bag filled with the victims' teeth, a stark testament to Irina's ruthless retribution for an unspecified transgression.
On the other side of the law, Sergeant Detective Jeffery Allen (Woody Harrelson) begins his day, a seasoned investigator with a keen, albeit cynical, eye. His nephew, Officer Chris Allen (Casey Affleck), a recent transfer from a less demanding precinct, is also preparing for his shift, sharing a tender moment with his wife, Michelle (Teresa Palmer), and their son.
The bank heist commences with brutal efficiency. Michael, Franco, Gabe, and Marcus storm the First City Bank, their masked faces and drawn weapons instilling immediate terror. Security guards are neutralized, and patrons are ordered to the floor. Gabe, spotting the bank manager attempting to flee, apprehends him, using photographic evidence of his family to coerce his compliance. Outside, Russell monitors the police scanners, relaying the grim news: they have a mere two and a half minutes before law enforcement arrives.
The team descends to the vault, forcing the manager to access a specific safety deposit box. However, Gabe's attention is diverted by a readily accessible pile of cash, which he impulsively pockets before securing the intended box. Michael seals the manager inside the vault, leaving him with the key to his own release. As the crew exits, unforeseen circumstances force them to abandon their van. Gabe procures a minivan for their escape, with Russell navigating via the scanner. Their getaway is marred by a dye pack explosion within the stolen money, engulfing the van in blinding red smoke and paint, severely impairing Michael's ability to drive. A desperate attempt by Gabe to vent the smoke results in a collision with another vehicle. With the police closing in, the crew abandons the van, seeking a new escape route. Franco provides suppressive fire, inadvertently wounding a civilian, a fact Russell observes with growing unease. Michael locates and commandeers an SUV, and Russell, having successfully evaded detection, makes his own escape.
The remaining four rendezvous at a secluded location to dispose of the SUV. Marcus and Franco unleash their fury on Gabe for his reckless acquisition of the rigged money, revealing that such readily available cash is a common police tactic to ensnare unsuspecting criminals. Gabe offers a contrite apology, acknowledging his mistake. Michael intervenes, de-escalating the heated confrontation, and announces his intention to meet with Irina, promising to contact them within three days. He then ignites the SUV's gas tank with a flashbang, obliterating the vehicle and any evidence.
Russell confronts Gabe, cautioning him against complacency with ill-gotten gains and warning him of Franco and Marcus's ruthlessness. Michael and Russell share a tacit understanding, a bond that sets them apart from the corrupt cops. Gabe assures Russell he understands. Later, Russell expresses his concern for Gabe to Michael, revealing that Gabe has relapsed after six months of sobriety. Michael accepts Russell's apology, recognizing his brother's struggle and acknowledging their shared sense of "family."
Meanwhile, at Irina's legitimate Kosher meatpacking business, a front for her criminal empire, the same henchman from earlier is seen preparing another gruesome scene. The previously tortured couple, still alive, are encased in plastic within a meatpacking truck, destined for further torment and eventual murder.
Sergeant Detective Jeffery Allen arrives at the bank, his dry wit evident as he questions the traumatized manager about the robbery. The manager's explanation, citing photographic evidence of his family, prompts Jeffery to warn about the dangers of social media. He learns the crew specifically targeted a safety deposit box belonging to a Dimitri Petkov.
Chris Allen begins his first day at the precinct, his transfer from a quieter department noted by his commanding officer. To his surprise, he is partnered with Marcus Belmont, a pairing Marcus vocally objects to. Their initial patrol is uneventful.
Michael, in his apartment, calls Franco, arranging a meeting in two days, before meticulously destroying his burner phone's SIM card in the microwave.
Michael meets Irina at the meatpacking plant, undergoing a pat-down and temporarily relinquishing his weapon. He presents Irina with the safety deposit box and is granted a brief, supervised visit with his son, Felix. During their walk, Irina reveals the existence of a second, mandatory job, a proposition Michael vehemently rejects, demanding payment for their initial work. Irina stonewalls, leveraging her influence over Felix to pressure Michael. It becomes clear that Michael's involvement in these heists is solely motivated by Irina's control over his son. As Irina outlines the new objective, Michael notices a room filled with federal agents, a sight that unnerves him.
Irina contacts her imprisoned husband, who emphasizes the necessity of the upcoming job for his release. He advises Irina to "hurt" Michael.
Russell receives an urgent call from Michael, summoning an immediate meeting. As Russell enters his car, a hidden assailant suffocates him with a plastic bag – one of Irina's enforcers, delivering a brutal message.
Michael, Franco, Gabe, and Marcus convene. Michael inquires about Russell's whereabouts, but Gabe claims ignorance. The sight of Russell's car crashing into a wall, followed by another vehicle speeding away, confirms their worst fears. They discover Russell in critical condition, a bag over his head and severely wounded. Michael, realizing Russell cannot be saved, makes the agonizing decision to end his suffering with a single gunshot. Gabe is consumed by grief.
Irina, at home, ignores Michael's calls, knowing he is aware of her role in Russell's death. Elena, sensing the gravity of the situation, hands her sister the phone and announces her departure for the evening, understanding the deep rift that has formed.
The remaining crew grapples with Irina's demands. Michael reveals the federal agents' complicity, complicating their task. The target: the Department of Homeland Security. Franco deems the heist impossible within the allotted time. Marcus proposes manufacturing a "Triple 9" – a code indicating an officer down – to draw all available police units, creating the necessary diversion. Michael, intrigued, tasks Franco and Marcus with orchestrating the event.
Franco expresses no qualm about killing a fellow officer, while Marcus harbors reservations.
Chris confides in his uncle Jeffery, expressing his desire to make a difference. Jeffery, prioritizing his family's safety, reminds Chris of his promise to his late mother to look out for him.
Michael's scheduled visit with Felix and Elena is fraught with tension. Elena, feigning an hour-long visit, subtly facilitates an intimate encounter between Michael and herself.
The following day, Michael drops Felix off at Irina's. A henchman's attempt to frisk Michael in front of his son provokes a furious outburst. Once Felix is out of earshot, Michael allows the frisking but confronts Irina, expressing his rage over Russell's murder and issuing a stark warning: "Stay the FUCK away from my crew!" Irina remains unfazed, reminding Michael of her ultimate leverage – his son.
Jeffery, investigating the string of robberies, reviews highway shootout footage, noting the crew's apparent police and special forces training.
Chris, home late, is encouraged by his wife, Michelle, to move past his self-pity and embrace his chosen profession.
The remaining crew convenes. Marcus identifies Chris as the ideal target for the Triple 9 ruse, believing Jeffery's grief over his nephew's potential death will grant them ample time. Gabe remains stoic, his apprehension evident.
Michael drives Gabe home, who voices his deep-seated objection to murdering an innocent officer. He believes Russell would have found an alternative solution. Michael, under immense pressure from Irina, berates Gabe, calling him a "mess" and shoving him out of the car. His harsh treatment stems not from disdain for Gabe, but from the overwhelming burden of protecting his son.
The next day, Chris and Marcus patrol a gang-infested neighborhood. Marcus engages with gang members while Chris educates two impressionable youths about the dangers of gang life.
Jeffery, meeting with an informant named Sweet Pea (Michael Kenneth Williams), learns of a junkie prostitute whose boyfriend, Gabe, was involved in a bank robbery. This information piques Jeffery's interest.
Chris and Marcus, part of a larger surveillance operation, observe a suspect known as "Termite" and his girlfriend orchestrating a drug drop. Chris, leading a four-man team, approaches Termite's apartment. Termite opens fire, initiating a shootout. The officers breach the apartment, discovering Termite's infant son and a hidden cache of weapons and drugs. Termite escapes through a hidden passage. Chris pursues, encountering MS-13 members, including Pinto, who wound Chris. Marcus engages Termite, and Chris, following a blood trail, intervenes, saving Marcus by shooting Termite. Marcus, in a fit of rage, delivers further fatal shots. Termite's death sparks a riot and leads to several arrests.
Chris returns home, grateful to be alive. Later, he and Marcus discuss the adrenaline-fueled events.
Michael meets Irina at a restaurant, expecting Elena and Felix. Irina reveals they are on an impromptu trip to Tel Aviv, a calculated move to assert her control. She provides Michael with details of the Department of Homeland Security building and a 24-hour window for his task, directly linking it to Felix's extended "vacation."
Gabe, consumed by grief and addiction, relapses with his junkie girlfriend.
Marcus spots Gabe at a strip club and forcibly removes him, scolding him for his recklessness. Gabe reiterates his moral objections to killing an innocent cop. Marcus punches Gabe and shoves him down stairs. Chris emerges, and Gabe, recognizing him, asks Marcus if Chris is the target. Marcus, pulling Gabe up, urges him to flee. Chris questions the situation, and Marcus dismisses Gabe as a drug-addled informant.
Jeffery begins tailing Gabe and his girlfriend. His colleague, Trina Ling (Michelle Ang), informs him that Gabe is a former officer with a suspicious shooting on his record. Jeffery entraps Gabe's girlfriend, coercing her for information.
Gabe, being tailed by Trina, stops outside Chris's house. Trina alerts Jeffery, and backup is called. Gabe evades capture by scaling a fence. Jeffery arrives, and Chris inquires about the situation, but Jeffery remains tight-lipped.
Jeffery's task force uncovers Michael's past as a Private Military Contractor for Blackwater, working alongside Russell. Their connection to Irina, a powerful Russian mobster whose husband is imprisoned by Putin, is also revealed.
Franco contacts Michael, warning him that Gabe is under surveillance and that he, too, may soon be targeted. Franco insists Michael deal with Gabe, deeming him a liability.
Hiding in a hotel, Gabe receives a photo of his girlfriend bound and threatened. Michael, on the phone, demands Gabe disappear immediately. Gabe agrees to leave town, pleading for his girlfriend's release. Michael hangs up, leaving Gabe despondent, though it appears Michael spares the girl.
Jeffery learns of Gabe's disappearance, Michael's absence from his apartment, and the denial of their surveillance warrant against Irina. He expresses frustration to his team.
Michael, Franco, and Marcus meet. Franco inquires if Marcus is prepared for their next move.
On patrol, Chris notices Marcus's nervousness and his drawn weapon. They head to an abandoned housing project to meet an informant. As Chris looks away, Marcus vanishes. Chris calls out but receives no response.
At the DHS facility, Franco and Michael await the Triple 9 call. Pinto lies in wait for Chris.
Marcus, overwhelmed by guilt, breaks down. Gabe appears, gun in hand, attempting to warn Chris of a setup. Pinto emerges, firing and escaping. Gabe is shot in the neck. Chris tries to help him, calling for Marcus. Marcus arrives, sees Gabe, and, believing Gabe intends to kill them both, opens fire. Gabe returns fire, killing Marcus, but not before Marcus fatally wounds Gabe. Chris discovers Marcus critically injured. Marcus radios a Triple 9.
Hearing the call, Michael and Franco proceed with the DHS heist, unaware of Marcus's involvement. They incapacitate guards with electric shotgun shells and attach C4.
Jeffery, believing Chris is in danger, races to the shooting scene, prioritizing his nephew over a reported robbery at the DHS building. Trina investigates the robbery call.
Michael and Franco use explosives to breach the vault. Michael retrieves the necessary item while Franco warns of the approaching police. SWAT arrives, opening fire on their escaping van. Michael sustains a hand wound, while Franco is shaken. Franco contacts his boss, feigning ignorance of the Triple 9.
At the shooting scene, Marcus is airlifted to the hospital. Jeffery learns Chris is safe and that Marcus was shot by Gabe. He also learns Pinto was present and is now surrounded by SWAT. Franco arrives, appearing unconcerned, but Jeffery notices his limp, suspecting him.
Michael meets Irina, presenting a rigged toy for Felix. Irina demands the loot, revealing the files needed to free her husband. She inquires about Michael's crew, and he claims they are gone. Irina, unconvinced, reveals her extensive network. Michael, demanding to see his son, finds the car empty. Irina's men beat Michael, and a gunshot near his ear temporarily deafens him. Irina, revealing her contempt for Michael and her desire to kill him, states Elena begged her to spare him for Felix's sake. She gives Michael the money and orders him to never seek out his son.
Michael, anticipating Irina's betrayal, detonates the C4 in Felix's toy, killing Irina and her enforcers.
Chris, at the hospital, learns of Pinto's death. At the morgue, he finds a note indicating Pinto was at the project housing at 4 pm, realizing Pinto intended to kill him.
Franco, disguised as a police officer, pulls Michael over. He reveals Marcus is alive and threatens to kill Michael's son's girlfriend. Franco asks about payment, and Michael states they "settled" things. Franco then shoots Michael three times, killing him, intending to keep the money for himself.
The next day, Chris speaks with a teenager who confirms Marcus met with Pinto. Chris shares his suspicions with Jeffery, who finds merit but lacks proof. He acknowledges the presence of a final crew member intent on erasing all traces.
Trina informs Jeffery of a woman shot dead – Gabe's girlfriend, his informant. Jeffery realizes the first officer on the scene is the killer and the final crew member.
Chris visits Marcus in the hospital, confronting him with the truth. Franco arrives, intending to kill Marcus, but is surprised by Chris's presence. Franco directs Chris to the precinct. In the elevator, Jeffery calls, revealing Franco as the last crew member and warning Chris. Chris feigns a different reason for the call. Outside, Franco heads to his car. Jeffery, hidden in the backseat, confronts Franco. Two shots ring out. Chris, hearing them, radios a Triple 9 and advances on the vehicle. Franco is dead, wounded by Jeffery. Franco, however, managed to wound Jeffery. The film ends on a freeze-frame of Jeffery's face, his fate uncertain amidst the blare of sirens.
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