The Guilty Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop stuck answering 911 calls all day figures out a kidnapping case through just phone calls, revealing everyone has mental issues and should probably be medicated, including himself.

🍿 The Guilty: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Joe Baylor

Joe Baylor, a demoted LAPD officer, is working a shift at a 911 call center amidst raging wildfires in Los Angeles. He’s awaiting a hearing regarding an incident from his past, adding to his stress and anxiety. He is also separated from his wife and daughter. His demeanor is tense, and he deals with each call with a short fuse and a quick judgement.

The Distressed Call from Emily

Joe receives a call from a woman named Emily who speaks in coded language. He quickly deduces that she’s been abducted. As he gathers clues from the call, he becomes increasingly invested in saving her. He is desperate to find her location and relays information to the CHP, struggling with their lack of urgency.

Unraveling the Truth

As Joe digs deeper, he contacts Emily’s daughter, Abby, who reveals disturbing details about her mother and stepfather, Henry. Joe enlists the help of his former partner, Rick, to investigate Henry’s apartment. He learns Emily has a history of mental illness and has stopped taking her medication. The situation becomes increasingly complex as he uncovers the truth behind Emily’s actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Baylor (Jake Gyllenhaal): A troubled and demoted LAPD officer working as a 911 operator, wrestling with his past actions and desperately trying to help a woman in distress.
• Emily Lighton (Riley Keough): A distressed woman whose cryptic 911 call sets off a chain of events, revealing a complex mental state and a tragic situation.
• Henry Fisher (Peter Sarsgaard): Emily’s husband, who is initially suspected of kidnapping her, but later revealed to be attempting to help her.
• Rick (Eli Goree): Joe’s former partner, who provides crucial off-the-record assistance and is conflicted about testifying on Joe’s behalf.
• SGT. Denise Wade (Christina Vidal): Joe’s supervisor at the 911 call center, who tries to keep him in line while also recognizing his dedication.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe Baylor: “Broken people save broken people.” – Sgt. Wade tells Joe after he expresses his frustration and helplessness, suggesting that his own brokenness allows him to connect with and help others.
• Joe Baylor: “I’m gonna get you help.” – Joe repeatedly says this to Emily, indicating his determination to save her despite the limitations of his desk job and the unfolding complexities of the situation.
• Emily Lighton: “He said there were snakes in his stomach, so I took them out.” – Emily says this to Joe in a distressed tone, revealing a disturbing act influenced by her mental state and creating a turning point in the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Guilty Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a run-of-the-mill thriller, but wow, Jake Gyllenhaal just blew me away! His performance was so intense and raw that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The phone call scenes with Riley Keough were chilling. The twist really got me, and it left me thinking about the whole movie for days after. Honestly, it’s a must-watch if you love psychological thrillers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jake Gyllenhaal”
  • “Viewers interested in intense, character-driven thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy movies set in limited locations”
  • “People who appreciate stories with moral ambiguity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mentions of child endangerment”
  • “Themes of mental illness”
  • “Brief graphic images”
  • “Suicidal themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Gyllenhaal delivers a magnetic performance in this claustrophobic thriller. While the remake doesn’t surpass the original, it offers a compelling, character-driven experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Though undeniably tense, the film’s reliance on Gyllenhaal’s intense performance occasionally feels overdone. The premise is intriguing, but the execution lacks the subtlety of the original Danish version.

Audience Reactions

Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense and captivating performance.: Most viewers praise the film for its suspenseful atmosphere and Gyllenhaal’s standout acting.

The twist in the story completely changes the perspective.: Many appreciated the plot twist which elevated the tension and added depth to the narrative.

Overall Consensus: A gripping thriller primarily praised for Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, though some find it lacks the subtlety of the original.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was filmed in just 11 days due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
• “Director Antoine Fuqua directed Jake Gyllenhaal remotely from a van parked near the set to maintain social distancing protocols.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Guilty?

The Guilty (2021) is exclusively available on Netflix for streaming. It’s included in the standard Netflix subscription. While it’s not available for purchase on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, you can easily access it by signing up for a Netflix subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Guilty, you might like these similar films:

• The Call (2013): Shares the premise of a 911 operator trying to save a kidnapped victim, with a focus on phone communication and suspense.
• Locke (2013): Features a single actor in a confined setting (a car), carrying the entire film through phone conversations and escalating tension.
• Cellular (2004): Involves a race against time as a person receives a distressed call and must use a phone to save someone in danger.
• The Guilty (Den skyldige) (2018): The original Danish film that this movie is a direct remake of, with the same plot and premise.

🛒 The Guilty Related Products

• The Guilty (2018) – Danish Original Film (DVD): Experience the original, critically acclaimed Danish thriller that inspired the remake. See the nuanced performance and storytelling that made it a global hit. Features English subtitles.
• 911 Dispatcher T-shirt: Show your appreciation for the unsung heroes with this comfortable and stylish t-shirt, perfect for everyday wear. 100% Cotton
• Jake Gyllenhaal Movie Poster Collection: A collection of high-quality posters featuring Jake Gyllenhaal’s most iconic roles, including ‘The Guilty,’ ‘Nightcrawler,’ and ‘Prisoners’. Perfect for any Gyllenhaal fan.
• Emergency Call Center Simulator Game: Experience the intensity of handling emergency calls in this realistic simulator game. Make quick decisions and manage resources to save lives. Available on PC and consoles.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “California Dreamin'” – performed by The Mamas & The Papas
• “Main theme from The Guilty” – performed by Marcelo Zarvos

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Guilty | Official Trailer | Jake Gyllenhaal | Netflix

Get a glimpse into the gripping story of ‘The Guilty’, with Jake Gyllenhaal’s captivating performance. From the edge-of-your-seat tension to the unraveling mystery, this trailer will leave you intrigued and eager for more.

At First this Man was Tired Being a 911 Operator, But After Handling this Case His Life Changed

Dive into the powerful and thought-provoking themes of ‘The Guilty’ through this in-depth movie recap. From the protagonist’s personal struggles to the gripping 911 call, this video offers a unique perspective on the film.

✨ Rate