Live by Night Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop’s son becomes a gangster, fights the KKK, then builds houses; it’s like a violent, boozy version of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

🍿 Live by Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Boston Beginnings: A Life of Crime

In 1920s Boston, Joe Coughlin, son of a respected police captain, returns from WWI disillusioned and turns to a life of crime. He becomes involved in robberies and petty theft, seeking to make a name for himself outside the law. Joe begins an affair with Emma Gould, the mistress of Irish mob boss Albert White, adding another layer of danger to his already risky lifestyle. This sets the stage for a dramatic clash between competing mob factions.

Betrayal and Prison

Joe’s affair with Emma intensifies the conflict between him and Albert White. Following a botched bank robbery where police officers are killed, Joe plans to flee with Emma, but she betrays him, leading to his capture and imprisonment. Joe’s father uses his influence to secure a reduced sentence, but the experience hardens him and fuels his desire for revenge. Upon release, Joe seeks an opportunity to settle the score.

Tampa: A New Empire

After his release from prison, Joe aligns himself with Italian mob boss Maso Pescatore, who sends him to Tampa, Florida to oversee his rum-running operation during Prohibition. In Tampa, Joe reunites with his friend Dion and quickly establishes himself as a powerful figure, building alliances with Cuban businessmen and attracting the attention of local law enforcement. He also finds love with Graciela, a Cuban woman who challenges his moral compass.

Conflicts and Alliances

Joe faces numerous challenges in Tampa, including the Ku Klux Klan, who seek to disrupt his business and enforce their racist agenda. He navigates these conflicts with a combination of diplomacy and violence, forming uneasy alliances with the local sheriff while battling the KKK’s influence. Joe’s ambition leads him to plan the construction of a grand casino, but his plans are complicated by the return of Loretta Figgis, the sheriff’s daughter, who becomes a fervent religious revivalist.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck): The disillusioned WWI veteran turned gangster seeks to make his mark in the Prohibition era, navigating complex relationships and moral compromises.
• Emma Gould (Sienna Miller): The alluring mistress of a powerful gangster becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with Joe, leading to betrayal and tragic consequences.
• Dion Bartolo (Chris Messina): Joe’s loyal and quick-witted partner in crime provides unwavering support, but also struggles with the violence and corruption of their lifestyle.
• Graciela Suarez (Zoe Saldaña): A strong and independent Cuban woman who becomes Joe’s wife, offering him a chance at redemption and a new life in Florida.
• Thomas Coughlin (Brendan Gleeson): Joe’s father is a respected police captain who struggles to reconcile his love for his son with his dedication to upholding the law.
• Albert White (Robert Glenister): The ruthless and powerful Irish gangster serves as a primary antagonist, fueling Joe’s desire for revenge and escalating the conflict.
• Chief Figgis (Chris Cooper): The troubled police chief who struggles with faith as his daughter falls into addiction.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomas Coughlin: “People don’t fix each other, Joseph. And they never become anything but what they’ve always been.” – Spoken by Joe’s father, a police captain, as a cynical observation on human nature and the impossibility of changing people’s inherent character.
• Loretta Figgis: “Because we fucked up.” – Delivered by Loretta, a troubled evangelist, when Joe asks her why Heaven feels like Hell, reflecting on their flawed choices.
• Joe Coughlin: “Maybe it’s true. We all find ourselves in lives we didn’t expect. But what I learned was powerful men don’t have to be cruel.” – Joe reflects on life and how power can be wielded without resorting to cruelty, showcasing his evolving moral compass.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,378,555
• Worldwide Gross: $22,778,555

💥 Live by Night Reviews

Personal Review

I wanted to love “Live by Night,” I really did. Ben Affleck has made some great movies, but this one just didn’t click for me. The sets and costumes were fantastic; it really felt like the 1920s. But I couldn’t connect with the characters, and the story felt disjointed. I think the biggest problem was that Ben Affleck’s character, Joe, never really grabbed me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gangster films”
  • “Those interested in Prohibition-era stories”
  • “Viewers who appreciate historical dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Racism”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the film looks stunning and has a good cast, it lacks emotional depth and feels rushed. The story jumps around, making it hard to connect with the characters or invest in their journeys. Affleck’s direction shows promise, but the script needed more work. The action sequences are well-done, but the overall impact is lacking.
• RogerEbert.com: “Affleck’s take on the gangster genre feels generic and uninspired. Though visually appealing, the movie lacks a compelling narrative and memorable characters. The performances are adequate, but the story never truly grips you. “Live by Night” is a competent but ultimately forgettable addition to the crime drama canon.
• Variety: “Despite a promising premise and a strong cast, “Live by Night” fails to deliver a truly engaging experience. The film struggles with pacing and character development, leaving the audience disconnected from the story. While Affleck’s direction is competent, the screenplay is weak, making the film feel like a missed opportunity.

Audience Reactions

Many praised the film’s visual style, noting the beautiful costumes and sets.: Spectacular production design effectively transports viewers to the Prohibition era.

Some viewers appreciated the action sequences, especially the car chase and shoot-outs.: Well-executed action scenes provide moments of excitement.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but narratively weak gangster film that fails to live up to its potential.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The original cut of the film was closer to three hours long and focused more on character development.”
• “Ben Affleck also served as the writer, director, producer, and lead actor for ‘Live by Night’.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote ‘Gone Baby Gone’, ‘Mystic River’, and ‘Shutter Island’, all of which were adapted into successful films.”

🖥️ How to Watch Live by Night?

Live by Night is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Live by Night, you might like these similar films:

• The Untouchables (1987): Set during the Prohibition era, this film also explores organized crime and law enforcement battling for control.
• Miller’s Crossing (1990): A stylish gangster film with complex characters and a twisting plot set during Prohibition.
• Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014): A television series set during the Prohibition era, showcasing the complex relationships and power struggles within organized crime.
• The Town (2010): Another Ben Affleck directorial effort centered around crime in Boston, with a focus on loyalty, family, and the difficulty of escaping a life of crime.

🛒 Live by Night Related Products

• Live by Night (Dennis Lehane): The original novel by Dennis Lehane that inspired the film. Dive deeper into Joe Coughlin’s world with the richer character development and intricate plot details not fully explored in the movie.
• 1920s Gangster Costume Accessories Set: Transform into a 1920s gangster with this stylish accessory set. Includes a fedora, suspenders, bow tie, and toy gun. Perfect for themed parties and cosplay.
• Tommy Gun Toy: Recreate the iconic action scenes from “Live by Night” with this realistic-looking Tommy Gun toy. Perfect for collectors and fans of the gangster genre.
• Gangster Movie Poster: The poster for ‘Live by Night’ is 24×36 and would be the perfect addition to your space

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Sugartime” – performed by Odis Echols and Charlie Phillips

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Live by Night #movie #movierecap #shorts #viral

Need a quick refresher on ‘Live by Night’ before diving in? This short recap will get you up to speed in under a minute!

Elle Fanning Had To Wear Period Undergarments In “Live By Night” | CONAN on TBS

You won’t believe what Elle Fanning had to wear for her ‘Live By Night’ role! Her story about the period undergarments is hilarious and totally unexpected. Check it out!

Ben Affleck on Making a Gangster Movie

Ever wonder what it’s like to direct *and* star in a gangster movie? Ben Affleck spills the beans in this interview, and his passion for the project is contagious!

Chris Messina Gained 40 Pounds For Role In ‘Live By Night’

Can you believe Chris Messina gained 40 pounds for his role in ‘Live By Night’? Hear him chat to Stephen Colbert about the experience, I found it interesting that actors have to go to such lengths for roles.

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