🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mike Figgis
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Neo-noir
- Release year: 1990
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (26K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A good cop gets cucked by Richard Gere, but like, in a cop way.
🍿 Internal Affairs: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Raymond Avila and Dennis Peck
Raymond Avila, a newly appointed Internal Affairs Division officer, is partnered with Amy Wallace. Their first case involves investigating Van Stretch for police brutality, but Avila suspects Stretch’s partner, Dennis Peck, is also involved in corruption. Peck is a charismatic and seemingly model officer, but Avila finds his lifestyle and wealth suspicious.

The Investigation Intensifies
As Avila digs deeper, he uncovers a network of corruption involving Peck. Peck is a master manipulator, using his influence to cover his tracks and maintain his power. The investigation becomes personal as Peck begins to taunt Avila and involve his wife, Kathleen. Van Stretch is later killed, further escalating the stakes.

Peck’s Psychological Warfare
Peck escalates his efforts to derail Avila’s investigation, employing psychological tactics to undermine Avila’s confidence and sow discord in his marriage. He manipulates situations to make it appear as though he is having an affair with Kathleen, leading to a violent confrontation between Avila and his wife. This personal assault intensifies Avila’s resolve to bring Peck down.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Dennis Peck (Richard Gere): A charming but corrupt LAPD sergeant who uses manipulation and violence to maintain his criminal empire and evade justice.
- Raymond Avilla (Andy Garcia): An ambitious Internal Affairs agent determined to expose Dennis Peck’s corruption, even at a personal cost.
- Kathleen Avilla (Nancy Travis): Raymond’s wife, an art gallery curator who becomes a target of Peck’s manipulation, testing her marriage.
- Amy Wallace (Laurie Metcalf): Raymond’s partner in Internal Affairs, a perceptive and capable investigator who assists in bringing down Peck.
- Van Stretch (William Baldwin): Dennis Peck’s partner, a troubled and corrupt cop whose actions initially trigger the Internal Affairs investigation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dennis Peck: “You know what she really wanted? You know? Yeah, I should have guessed. She liked it in the ass, Raymond. That’s right. Right in the fucking ass! Drove her crazy. She came so much, for a second I thought she was going to pass out on me.” – Peck is trying to goad Avilla by making vulgar insinuations about his wife, Kathleen.
- Dennis Peck: “Hi, Raymond!” – Said after Peck punches Raymond in the elevator.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $27,734,391
- Worldwide Gross: $27,734,391
💥 Internal Affairs Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this movie as a teen and being completely blown away by Richard Gere’s performance. He was so charismatic and yet utterly terrifying. The psychological warfare between him and Andy Garcia kept me on the edge of my seat. Even now, the elevator scene gives me chills. I also loved the dynamic between Andy Garcia and Nancy Travis.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in police corruption dramas”
- “Fans of Richard Gere and Andy Garcia”
- “Those who enjoy psychological thrillers”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Figgis’ first American film and he made an excellent start. The dark plot is pretty simple in terms of beginning, middle, start. What makes it so much more than that is the characters are so well drawn.
- Los Angeles Times: “A tense atmosphere is predominantly generated by its brooding score and the intensity of the conflict between Avila and Peck who are both tough, uncompromising and remarkably similar in certain ways.
- The New York Times: “Richard Gere fires on all cylinders in this performance, full of swagger and aggression, with a character that would easily dupe you into believing he’s on your side, while all the while setting up your execution.
Audience Reactions
Richard Gere’s performance is amazing.: His portrayal of a corrupt cop is captivating and chilling.
The psychological game is very tense.: Fans really enjoy the tension between Gere and Garcia.
Overall Consensus: A gripping neo-noir thriller elevated by Richard Gere’s compelling villainous performance.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Richard Gere and Andy Garcia reportedly did not get along during filming. This tension is said to have contributed to the intensity of their scenes.”
- “Some of the physical altercations between Gere and Garcia, particularly in the elevator scene, were reportedly very real due to their strained relationship.”
- “Director Mike Figgis also co-wrote the music for the film, adding another layer to its distinctive atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch Internal Affairs?
Internal Affairs is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, it is not currently available to stream on subscription services like Netflix or Hulu as of this update.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Internal Affairs, you might like these similar films:
- L.A. Confidential (1997): Another neo-noir crime drama set in Los Angeles with a focus on police corruption and complex characters.
- Training Day (2001): Explores the moral compromises and corruption within the LAPD through the dynamic between a rookie officer and a seasoned, dirty cop.
- Serpico (1973): A classic film about an honest cop who exposes widespread corruption in the NYPD, showcasing the challenges of fighting a system from within.
- The Departed (2006): A modern crime thriller that deals with themes of betrayal, deception, and moral ambiguity within law enforcement.
🛒 Internal Affairs Related Products
- Internal Affairs (Blu-ray): Experience the intense drama of Internal Affairs in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality, making it a must-have for fans of the film.
- Internal Affairs Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original Internal Affairs movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for this classic thriller.
- Corvette C4 Model Kit (Based on Dennis Peck’s Car): Build your own replica of the Corvette C4 driven by Dennis Peck in Internal Affairs. This detailed model kit is a perfect project for car enthusiasts and movie buffs.
🎧 Soundtrack
Internal Affairs features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Internal Affairs was primarily filmed on location in Los Angeles, California, utilizing various locations to depict the gritty reality of police work.
Internal Affairs explores the story of a corrupt police officer, Dennis Peck, and the Internal Affairs agent, Raymond Avila, who is determined to bring him to justice, showcasing the psychological and physical battles that ensue.
Mike Figgis directed Internal Affairs. He is also known for directing movies such as Leaving Las Vegas.
🔥 Bonus Content
A film so good Martin Scorsese copied it
Ever wondered why Scorsese remade a Hong Kong crime thriller? This video breaks down exactly what made ‘Infernal Affairs’ so compelling that it caught the eye of a legendary director. Seriously, it’s fascinating!
Infernal Affairs I – The Shocking Secrets & Details behind this classic movie
Want to really *get* what makes ‘Infernal Affairs’ a classic? This video dives deep into the film’s secrets and details. Honestly, you’ll catch things you totally missed the first time around.
Infernal Affairs II – The LAST Glory of British Hongkong Movie | The Oriental Godfather Movie Review
Think ‘Infernal Affairs II’ is just a prequel? Think again! This review shows why it’s a powerful film in its own right, exploring themes of loyalty and identity during a pivotal time in Hong Kong’s history. I learned so much from this one!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.





