Contraband Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A retired smuggler has to go back to smuggling to pay off his idiot brother-in-law’s drug debt, but it turns out everyone he trusts is a backstabbing criminal, so he has to out-smuggle them all while making time to save his wife from being buried alive in cement.

🍿 Contraband: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Debt to Repay

Chris Farraday, a former smuggler living a reformed life with his wife Kate and their children in New Orleans, is drawn back into his past when his brother-in-law, Andy, botches a drug deal. Andy owes a ruthless drug dealer, Tim Briggs, a substantial amount of money, putting himself and the Farraday family in danger. Chris feels obligated to protect his family and steps in to resolve the debt.

One Last Job

To repay Andy’s debt, Chris decides to undertake one last smuggling operation. He sets out to purchase counterfeit bills in Panama and bring them back to the United States. He joins the crew of a cargo ship, leveraging his past connections and skills to navigate the dangerous world of contraband. During his absence, Chris entrusts his family’s safety to his close friend, Sebastian.

Betrayal and Deceit

While in Panama, Chris encounters several obstacles, including unreliable counterfeiters and a powerful crime boss. He is forced to participate in a daring armored car heist to secure the funds. Back in New Orleans, Kate and the children face increasing threats from Briggs. The situation escalates as Chris discovers a shocking betrayal by someone he trusts, compounding the danger and stakes of his mission.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg): A former smuggler who must return to his old life to protect his family from a ruthless drug dealer.
• Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi): A ruthless drug dealer who threatens Chris’s family when his brother-in-law botches a deal.
• Kate Farraday (Kate Beckinsale): Chris’s wife, who is put in danger when her brother’s actions force Chris back into smuggling.
• Sebastian Abney (Ben Foster): Chris’s best friend who is tasked to protect Chris’s family but ultimately betrays him.
• Andy (Caleb Landry Jones): Chris’s brother-in-law whose actions instigate the central conflict of the movie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chris Farraday: “I am not scared of you.” – Chris says this to Briggs to show he won’t be intimidated as he tries to protect his family.
• Chris Farraday: “You think you’re the only guy with a fucking gun?” – Chris confronts Tim and shows he is not powerless in the situation.
• Tim Briggs: “You should’ve stayed retired.” – Briggs taunts Chris, highlighting the danger he’s brought upon himself by re-entering the criminal world.
• Chris Farraday: “Family first.” – A core theme of the movie is Chris’s dedication to his family, a principle he upholds throughout the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $66,528,000
• Worldwide Gross: $96,262,212

💥 Contraband Reviews

Personal Review

I was on the edge of my seat during the Panama heist scene and was genuinely worried for Kate Beckinsale’s character when she was in danger. The film’s fast pace and unexpected twists kept me engaged throughout. Overall I thought it was an amazing action thriller.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mark Wahlberg.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action and crime thrillers.”
  • “People interested in movies about smuggling and heists.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug Use”
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Threats of Violence”
  • “Brief Sensual Scenes”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Contraband’ delivers some tense moments and solid performances, it ultimately suffers from a predictable plot and familiar action tropes. The film struggles to maintain originality, resulting in a watchable but unremarkable crime thriller.
• RogerEbert.com: “Contraband is a serviceable action film that’s elevated by its cast, particularly Giovanni Ribisi’s menacing performance. However, the movie is bogged down by a convoluted plot and lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate with audiences.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences in Panama were intense and thrilling.: Viewers praised the film’s suspenseful plot and Mark Wahlberg’s strong performance.

Kate Beckinsale’s performance added depth and emotion to the story.: Many appreciated the film’s surprising plot twists and satisfying conclusion.

Overall Consensus: Contraband is a decent action-thriller with strong performances and suspenseful moments, but it’s held back by a predictable plot and lack of originality.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Contraband is a remake of the 2008 Icelandic film Reykjavik-Rotterdam, directed by Óskar Jónasson, of which Baltasar Kormákur, the director of Contraband, starred in.”
• “In a scene at the harbor, Kate Beckinsale was required to say goodbye to Mark Wahlberg, put their kids in the car, and drive away. Only when they came to shoot the scene did the producers learn that Kate doesn’t drive.”
• “The cooperation and assistance from the Department of Homeland Security does not reflect an endorsement of the contents of the production.”

🖥️ How to Watch Contraband?

Contraband is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Italian Job (2003): Both films feature a protagonist with a criminal past who must execute a high-stakes heist to protect their loved ones.
• Shooter (2007): Both films star Mark Wahlberg in action roles where he uses his skills to overcome powerful adversaries and protect his family.
• Safe House (2012): Another action thriller from the same era involving criminal activity, betrayal, and international locales.
• Prisoners (2013): A suspenseful crime drama that focuses on the lengths a person will go to protect their family when they are threatened, focusing on tension and moral decisions.

🛒 Contraband Related Products

• Contraband [Blu-ray]: Own the intense crime thriller on Blu-ray. Collector’s edition includes behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with the cast and crew, giving a deeper look into the making of the film.
• Mark Wahlberg Action Movie Collection [DVD]: A collection of Mark Wahlberg’s greatest action movies, this collection allows fans to immerse themselves in non-stop thrills. A perfect addition for any action movie enthusiast.
• Crime Thriller Movie Poster Collection: Adorn your walls with high-quality prints of iconic crime thriller movie posters. Featuring classic and modern films, these posters capture the essence of the genre.
• Smuggler’s Run: A Contraband Inspired Board Game: A strategy board game where players compete to become the most successful smuggler. Navigate through dangerous waters, evade authorities, and build your criminal empire. Strategic thinking and risk-taking are key to victory.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Don’t Break the Needle” – performed by J. Roddy Walston & The Business

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Contraband movie review

Dive into the world of high-stakes smuggling and pulse-pounding action with Jeremy Jahns’ insightful review of Contraband. Get his expert take on Mark Wahlberg’s performance, the film’s thrilling plot, and whether it delivers the cinematic punch it promises.

✨ Rate