Wheelman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy drives around in a BMW, answers a lot of phone calls, and occasionally shoots at people because everyone suddenly wants the money he stole, or thinks he stole, or might steal.

🍿 Wheelman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup

After a stint in prison, the driver known only as Wheelman is forced to work off a debt to mobsters by being the getaway driver for a bank robbery. He anticipates instructions from his usual contact, Clay, but instead receives calls from an unknown ‘Handler’ with different orders. He’s immediately suspicious, but feels he has no choice but to follow along.

Double-Crossed and Desperate

During the heist, the Handler orders Wheelman to abandon the robbers, taking the money with him. Realizing he’s been double-crossed, Wheelman is thrust into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. He receives threatening calls from another unknown number and quickly learns he’s caught between rival gangs vying for the stolen cash. His priority quickly shifts from the money to protecting his family.

Protecting His Family

Wheelman discovers both his ex-wife, Jessica, and his daughter, Katie, are in danger. He navigates perilous car chases and tense phone calls, desperately trying to figure out who he can trust. His allegiance is tested as he leans on past connections for help while battling the ruthless Philadelphia crime family. Ultimately, he enlists help from his daughter to pull off a high-stakes rescue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Wheelman (Frank Grillo): A skilled but troubled getaway driver caught in a web of double-crosses, fighting to protect his family and survive a dangerous night.
• Katie (Caitlin Carmichael): Wheelman’s resourceful teenage daughter who proves more capable than expected in a crisis.
• Clayton (Garret Dillahunt): An associate of Wheelman who arranged the bank robbery, and becomes entangled in the night’s betrayals.
• Motherfucker (Shea Whigham): The ruthless leader of the West End gang who has a history with Wheelman.
• Jessica (Wendy Moniz): Wheelman’s ex-wife and the mother of Katie, who becomes a target in the escalating conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Wheelman: “You picked the wrong f***ing guy.” – Said to the various parties who have double-crossed him, expressing his determination to fight back.
• Clayton: “You think you’re the only one in debt, huh?” – Clayton reveals the desperation and the precarious financial situation that led to the double-cross.
• Wheelman: “I’m doing this for my family.” – Wheelman states the main motivation that drives him to survive throughout the dangerous ordeal.
• Motherfucker: “Don’t trust anybody.” – The phrase is repeated as a warning to never trust other people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Wheelman Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Wheelman! It’s not some huge blockbuster, but it’s a tightly made thriller. Frank Grillo is awesome in it; he just sells the desperation of this guy trying to protect his family. There are some great car chase scenes, but what really got me was how intense it was, just him in the car, dealing with these crazy phone calls. The ending was satisfying, felt like a real win for the guy!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Frank Grillo”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action thrillers”
  • “People who like contained thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Brief drug references”
  • “Suicide”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Wheelman is a lean, mean thriller that understands the power of limited scope. Frank Grillo delivers a compelling performance, elevating a familiar plot with his gritty charisma. The claustrophobic setting and relentless pacing keep you glued to the screen.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While Wheelman doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a solid, action-packed ride. Frank Grillo shines in this one-man show, proving his ability to carry a film with his intensity. The film’s limited perspective and fast-paced narrative make for an engaging, if somewhat predictable, thriller.
• Variety: “Jeremy Rush’s ‘Wheelman’ benefits from a tight script and Frank Grillo’s no-nonsense performance. The film’s focus on the driver’s perspective creates a sense of urgency and claustrophobia, though the plot itself is fairly standard crime fare.

Audience Reactions

Frank Grillo’s performance kept me hooked the whole time.: Grillo’s acting and the intense, in-car perspective are the biggest highlights.

The short runtime made it a great, fast-paced watch.: People loved that it didn’t overstay its welcome and kept the action going.

Overall Consensus: Wheelman is a solid, fast-paced thriller with a compelling lead performance from Frank Grillo. Its limited scope and intense focus create an engaging experience for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Jeremy Rush made his feature film debut as both writer and director with ‘Wheelman’.”
• “The majority of the film takes place inside a BMW, creating a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.”
• “Frank Grillo also served as a producer on the film through his production company, WarParty Films.”
• “The film’s tight runtime of 82 minutes keeps the pace fast and avoids unnecessary filler.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wheelman?

Wheelman is currently available for streaming on Netflix. While it is not available for purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, keep an eye on these services as availability can change. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and rental options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wheelman, you might like these similar films:

• Locke (2013): Entirely set within a car with the protagonist dealing with a crisis via phone calls, similar to the claustrophobic setting of Wheelman.
• The Driver (1978): A classic neo-noir thriller focused on a getaway driver and his high-stakes encounters with the criminal underworld.
• Drive (2011): Features a nameless getaway driver navigating the criminal underworld of Los Angeles, similar to Wheelman’s protagonist.
• Baby Driver (2017): A stylish action film centered around a young getaway driver with a unique skill set.

🛒 Wheelman Related Products

• Frank Grillo Action Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of Frank Grillo’s best action movies, including ‘Wheelman’, ‘Boss Level’, and ‘Copshop’. Perfect for fans of gritty, no-nonsense action.
• BMW E46 330i Model Car (1:18 Scale): A highly detailed die-cast model of the BMW E46 330i, the car featured prominently in ‘Wheelman’. A must-have for car enthusiasts and collectors.
• Getaway Driver: Car Chase Simulator: An intense driving simulator where players take on the role of a getaway driver, complete with realistic car physics, challenging missions, and customizable vehicles. Experience the thrill of ‘Wheelman’ in an interactive format.
• The Art of the Car Chase: From Bullitt to Wheelman: A digital book exploring the history and evolution of car chase scenes in cinema, including a detailed analysis of ‘Wheelman’s’ unique perspective and filming techniques. A must-read for film buffs and action movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wheelman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Driving Inferno” – performed by Apex Twins
• “Desperate Ride” – performed by Midnight Drifters
• “Urban Decay” – performed by Shadow Pulse

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Netflix Gems No One Is Talking About

Ever feel like you’ve seen everything on Netflix? Looper’s got you covered! This video highlights some seriously underappreciated films on the platform, including Wheelman. Honestly, after watching this list, you might just find your next favorite movie!

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