🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Hillcoat
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (104K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Corrupt cops and criminals work for a Russian mob boss, things go wrong, and everyone betrays each other while Atlanta looks perpetually gritty and overcast.
🍿 Triple 9: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Heist
A crew of criminals, including corrupt cops Marcus and Franco, led by ex-special forces Michael, execute a daring bank robbery. Their target is a safety deposit box containing crucial information for the Russian mob. The heist is successful, but one member’s greed causes complications during the getaway. A dye pack explodes, filling their vehicle with red dye, forcing them to improvise and leaving a trail for investigators.

Blackmailed into Another Job
The Russian mob boss Irina, played by Kate Winslet, demands another, even more dangerous heist in exchange for Michael’s son’s safety. This new job involves breaking into a highly secured Homeland Security facility. The crew realizes they need a major distraction to pull it off, leading them to consider manufacturing a ‘999,’ police code for ‘officer down.’

Targeting a Rookie Cop
The corrupt cops, particularly Marcus, suggest targeting a rookie cop, Chris, who happens to be Marcus’s new partner. This sets in motion a plan to have Chris killed to draw all police resources to the scene, giving the crew the window they need to raid the Homeland Security building. However, Gabe, another member of the crew, begins to have reservations about killing an innocent officer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Chris Allen (Casey Affleck): A newly transferred, idealistic cop who becomes the target of a dangerous scheme involving corrupt officers and the Russian mob.
- Michael Atwood (Chiwetel Ejiofor): A former special forces operative leading a crew of criminals and dirty cops, blackmailed into performing heists for the Russian mob to protect his son.
- Irina Vlaslov (Kate Winslet): The ruthless and manipulative Russian mob boss who blackmails Michael and his crew to execute impossible heists.
- Marcus Belmont (Anthony Mackie): A corrupt cop and member of Michael’s crew, conflicted by his involvement and tasked with setting up his new partner.
- Jeffrey Allen (Woody Harrelson): A detective sergeant and Chris’s uncle, investigating the heists and the corrupt cops involved, while trying to protect his nephew.
- Franco Rodriguez (Clifton Collins Jr.): A hardened, corrupt cop and member of Michael’s crew, willing to do anything for money, including killing fellow officers.
- Gabe Welch (Aaron Paul): A troubled former cop and Russell’s brother, struggling with addiction and reluctantly involved in the crew’s criminal activities.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Franco Rodriguez: “I don’t have a problem killing a cop. I’ll kill a cop like….” – Franco casually states his willingness to kill a fellow officer when discussing the 999 plan, highlighting his ruthlessness.
- Jeffrey Allen: “Walter, you’re a bank manager. You should be smart enough to know that the monster has gone digital. Be careful what you insta-google-tweet-face.” – Detective Allen berates the bank manager, highlighting the modern risks of oversharing personal information.
- Jeffrey Allen: “First time being robbed? No fun, right?” – Detective Allen’s sardonic remark to a bank manager after the heist underscores his cynical view of the world.
- Michael Atwood: “We’re family.” – A seemingly heartfelt assurance of loyalty and brotherhood within the crew.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $12,639,297
- Worldwide Gross: $23,177,948
💥 Triple 9 Reviews
Personal Review
I was excited to see ‘Triple 9’ because of the cast, and while the action is intense, I felt a bit let down. The first bank robbery scene really got my heart racing and held my attention. It felt like the movie peaked too early, because I got a bit confused keeping up with all the characters. Woody Harrelson as the detective was a standout, but some of the plot twists didn’t quite land for me.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of crime thrillers with morally ambiguous characters”
- “Viewers who appreciate gritty and realistic action sequences”
- “Those interested in movies exploring themes of corruption and betrayal”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence and gore”
- “Strong language”
- “Drug use”
- “Brief nudity”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Hillcoat delivers stylish action sequences and a palpable sense of urban decay, but the convoluted plot and thin characterizations prevent ‘Triple 9’ from reaching its full potential.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite a stellar cast, ‘Triple 9’ suffers from a lack of emotional depth. The relentless violence and bleak atmosphere overshadow any meaningful character development.
- IGN: “‘Triple 9’ is a gritty and intense crime thriller elevated by its talented ensemble cast and well-executed action set pieces, though the plot can be convoluted at times.
Audience Reactions
The cast’s performances make the movie worth watching.: Many viewers praise the movie’s gritty realism and action, but some are disappointed with the confusing plot.
Some thought Kate Winslet was miscast.: A common criticism is that there are too many characters with complex interconnections.
Overall Consensus: Overall, ‘Triple 9’ is a dark, action-packed crime thriller with a great cast, but its complex plot may leave some viewers confused or disappointed.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Shia LaBeouf was originally cast but dropped out, leading to Charlie Hunnam being cast, who was later replaced by Casey Affleck.”
- “Cate Blanchett was initially considered for the role eventually played by Kate Winslet.”
- “Michael B. Jordan was considered to play Marcus Atwood.”
- “Christoph Waltz was considered for the role that eventually went to Woody Harrelson.”
🖥️ How to Watch Triple 9?
Triple 9 is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. You can also find it on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Triple 9, you might like these similar films:
- Heat (1995): Both films feature a crew of professional criminals going up against law enforcement in a sprawling urban setting, with intense action sequences and a focus on the moral ambiguities of both sides.
- Training Day (2001): Explores the themes of police corruption, moral compromise, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal behavior.
- End of Watch (2012): Offers a raw and visceral look at the daily lives of police officers, the dangers they face, and the bonds they form, presented in a gritty, realistic style.
- The Departed (2006): Features intertwined narratives of criminals and law enforcement, with themes of betrayal, deception, and the psychological toll of living a double life.
- Den of Thieves (2018): A modern crime thriller involving a crew of bank robbers and the elite police unit determined to stop them, featuring intense action and complex characters.
🛒 Triple 9 Related Products
- Triple 9 (Blu-ray): Experience the dark and gritty world of Triple 9 in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary.
- Heat (1995) [Blu-ray]: A seminal crime drama that influenced Triple 9, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Experience the tension and realism of this classic in high definition.
- Police Code Coasters: Each coaster features a different police code and their meaning, adding a touch of law enforcement humor to your home or office.
- Streetwise: Tactical Urban Survival Skills: A great handbook for anyone who wants to be prepared for anything
🎧 Soundtrack
Triple 9 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
‘Triple 9’ is the police code for ‘officer down.’ In the film, the criminals plan to kill a police officer as a diversion to draw law enforcement away from their main target, a Homeland Security facility.
Triple 9 is a work of fiction, but it draws inspiration from real-world crime and police corruption. The gritty realism aims to reflect the harsh realities of criminal activity and the moral compromises made by those involved.
While there are several antagonists, Irina Vlaslov, played by Kate Winslet, serves as the primary antagonist. As the ruthless head of the Russian mob, she manipulates and blackmails the crew into carrying out increasingly dangerous heists.
🔥 Bonus Content
Breach Scene from Triple 9 – Rainbow Six Siege Style – Hunting Thermite
Ever wondered what a ‘Triple 9’ scene would look like in Rainbow Six Siege? This fan-made video is seriously impressive and captures the intensity perfectly – you HAVE to check it out!
Triple 9 – movie review
Thinking about watching ‘Triple 9’? Jeremy Jahns gives you the lowdown on whether it’s worth your time. I always trust his reviews before watching any movie, it will definitely make you think!
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