Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two brothers decide to rob their parents because therapy is too expensive, resulting in a chaotic spiral of bad decisions and family drama.

🍿 Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup

Andy Hanson, a finance executive with a drug problem and embezzlement issues, convinces his financially struggling brother, Hank, to rob their parents’ jewelry store. Andy believes it’s a victimless crime since insurance will cover the losses and only an elderly employee will be present. He claims he can’t be involved directly, as he has recently been in the neighborhood.

The Botched Robbery

Hank hires an accomplice, Bobby Lasorda, without Andy’s knowledge. Things go horribly wrong when their mother, Nanette, is filling in at the store. A shootout ensues when Nanette pulls a gun, resulting in Bobby’s death and Nanette being fatally wounded. Hank flees, leaving a bloody mess behind. This sets off a chain of devastating consequences for everyone involved.

Aftermath and Spiral

Their father, Charles, begins his own investigation after feeling the police are not doing enough. Hank is blackmailed by Bobby’s brother-in-law, Dex. Andy and Hank then rob a drug dealer to get the money for Dex. In a shocking turn, Andy murders both the dealer and a client, escalating their situation dramatically.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Andy Hanson (Philip Seymour Hoffman): A financially desperate and drug-addicted executive who masterminds the jewelry store robbery.
• Hank Hanson (Ethan Hawke): Andy’s younger, less assertive brother, who is struggling financially and reluctantly participates in the robbery.
• Charles Hanson (Albert Finney): The father of Andy and Hank, who seeks revenge after the botched robbery and his wife’s death.
• Gina (Marisa Tomei): Andy’s wife, who is having an affair with Hank and becomes entangled in the consequences of the robbery.
• Dex (Michael Shannon): Bobby Lasorda’s brother-in-law who blackmails Andy and Hank, leading to further violence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Andrew ‘Andy’ Hanson: “My life, it doesn’t add up. Nothing connects to anything else. It’s, uh… I’m not the sum of my parts.” – Andy expresses his existential frustration with his life’s fragmented and disconnected nature.
• Charles: “Family. You screw one, you screw them all.” – Charles says to his sons during their confrontation, illustrating the interconnected nature of their family’s downfall.
• Andrew ‘Andy’ Hanson: “Nobody gets hurt. Everybody wins.” – Andy’s initial deluded assessment of the robbery plan, tragically proven wrong.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,084,227
• Worldwide Gross: $25,038,466

💥 Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead Reviews

Personal Review

This movie messed me up, but in the best way. The car scene with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei? Unforgettable. I felt every ounce of their pain and frustration. I love how the non-linear storytelling added to the suspense, keeping me guessing. The ending left me speechless, definitely a movie that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in complex family dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with non-linear storytelling”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Adult themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Lumet delivers a tense, morally complex thriller. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance is mesmerizing, capturing the desperation and flawed nature of his character. A sharp and stylish film.
• RogerEbert.com: “A dark, twisting crime drama that explores the depths of family dysfunction. The non-linear narrative keeps you on edge, while the performances from Hoffman and Hawke are electric.
• Variety: “Sidney Lumet proves he still has the chops to deliver a gripping crime thriller. The plot is intricate, and the acting is superb, especially from Albert Finney and Marisa Tomei.

Audience Reactions

The acting was incredible, especially Philip Seymour Hoffman’s portrayal of a man spiraling out of control.: The performances are outstanding, making the flawed characters relatable.

The movie is a dark and twisted family drama with a shocking ending that I couldn’t stop thinking about.: The intense and suspenseful plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall Consensus: A dark and disturbing crime drama with stellar performances, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sidney Lumet stated that the scene between Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei in the car, when Hoffman has his breakdown, was one of the most extraordinary scenes of acting he had ever witnessed.”
• “This was Sidney Lumet’s last theatrical film before his death in 2011.”
• “The non-linear narrative structure was inspired by films like ‘Rashomon’, allowing the audience to piece together the events from different perspectives.”

🖥️ How to Watch Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead?

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be found at retailers like Amazon and major electronics stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, you might like these similar films:

• Dog Day Afternoon (1975): Directed by Sidney Lumet, ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ also involves a crime gone wrong in New York City with intense character-driven drama.
• A Simple Plan (1998): Explores the dark side of human nature when ordinary people are tempted by money and make increasingly bad decisions.
• The Town (2010): Features a group of lifelong friends who are professional bank robbers, dealing with the consequences of their choices and the impact on their community and relationships.
• Blood Simple (1984): A neo-noir crime film that deals with betrayal, murder, and moral decay, showcasing the dire consequences of bad decisions.

🛒 Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead Related Products

• Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead [Blu-ray]: Own the Blu-ray of this captivating crime drama. Experience the high-definition visuals and immerse yourself in the gripping narrative.
• Sidney Lumet: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Explore the career of Sidney Lumet through insightful interviews. Gain a deeper understanding of his directing style and vision.
• Criminal Family Tree Canvas: High-quality canvas print poster of the criminal family tree inspired by the movie.
• Philip Seymour Hoffman: The Definitive Biography: Delve into the life and career of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Discover the untold stories and behind-the-scenes moments.

🎧 Soundtrack

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Change Your Life” – performed by Champale

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Gloriously Graphic & Delightfully Dirty Movies!

Curious about other suspenseful thriller movies? This video includes ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ in a list of 10 recommendations.

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