What Doesn’t Kill You Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two Boston bros learn that doing crime doesn’t pay, unless you’re the one writing the movie about doing crime, then it pays okay.

🍿 What Doesn’t Kill You: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood and Early Crimes

Brian Reilly and Paulie McDougan grow up together in the tough streets of South Boston. They become involved in petty crimes from a young age, learning the ropes from local criminals. This early exposure shapes their lives and sets them on a path that’s difficult to escape.

Life of Crime and Addiction

As adults, Brian and Paulie continue their lives of crime, working for a local boss. Brian struggles with drug addiction, which strains his relationship with his wife and children. Paulie, more reckless, remains dedicated to the criminal lifestyle, influencing Brian despite his desire to change.

Attempting to Go Straight

After a stint in prison, Brian attempts to turn his life around and go straight. He faces numerous challenges, including finding legitimate work and staying away from the temptations of his old life. Paulie tempts him with one last score: robbing an armored car.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paulie McDougan (Ethan Hawke): A South Boston criminal and Brian’s lifelong friend who struggles with the allure of a life of crime.
• Brian Reilly (Mark Ruffalo): A South Boston native and Paulie’s close friend who battles drug addiction and attempts to leave his criminal past behind for his family.
• Stacy Reilly (Amanda Peet): Brian’s wife who faces the challenges of her husband’s criminal lifestyle and drug abuse, while trying to maintain a stable home for their children.
• Pat Kelly (Brian Goodman): The local crime boss in South Boston who provides opportunities and influence for Brian and Paulie.
• Detective Moran (Donnie Wahlberg): A determined detective who is aware of Brian and Paulie’s criminal activities and seeks to bring them to justice.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Brian Reilly: “It’s like a morgue in here. I wanna be dead like you guys.” – Brian says this during a moment of despair, highlighting his deep dissatisfaction with his life and the people around him.
• Brian Reilly: “I am who I am.” – Brian says this to his wife Stacy, expressing his sense of being trapped by his past and unable to change easily.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,756
• Worldwide Gross: $44,872

💥 What Doesn’t Kill You Reviews

Personal Review

I really felt this movie. The way they portrayed the struggles of Brian trying to go straight was super relatable, even though I’ve never been in that situation. Ruffalo’s performance was heartbreaking, especially in the scenes with his kids. I think the movie just shows how hard it can be to escape a life of crime. It’s not just about making a decision; it’s about the whole environment you’re stuck in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of redemption”
  • “People who enjoy movies set in Boston”
  • “Ethan Hawke fans”
  • “Mark Ruffalo fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Criminal activity”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic Daily: “”What Doesn’t Kill You” delivers a gritty, authentic portrayal of South Boston’s criminal underbelly. While the storyline treads familiar ground, the performances of Hawke and Ruffalo elevate the film. It offers a raw and unflinching look at the cyclical nature of poverty and crime. It is a solid crime drama that benefits from its realism.
• Indie Film Now: “Brian Goodman’s direction brings a personal touch to this semi-autobiographical crime drama. While the plot lacks originality, the film succeeds in creating a palpable sense of atmosphere. The performances are heartfelt, particularly Ruffalo’s portrayal of addiction. The visuals are stark and honest, making it a memorable indie film.

Audience Reactions

The raw performances from Ethan Hawke and Mark Ruffalo were outstanding.: Viewers appreciated the film’s gritty realism and the authentic portrayal of South Boston.

The emotional depth and complexity of the characters really resonated with me.: The emotional depth and realism made the movie more relatable and impactful.

Overall Consensus: “What Doesn’t Kill You” is a well-acted, gritty crime drama that, while not entirely original, offers a compelling look at the challenges of escaping a life of crime in South Boston.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on director Brian Goodman’s own life experiences growing up in South Boston and his struggles with addiction and crime.”
• “Donnie Wahlberg, who plays Detective Moran in the film, co-wrote the screenplay with Brian Goodman and Paul T. Murray.”

🖥️ How to Watch What Doesn’t Kill You?

As of my last update, “What Doesn’t Kill You” may be available for streaming or purchase through various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so be sure to check local listings. Check JustWatch.com for current streaming and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What Doesn’t Kill You, you might like these similar films:

• The Departed (2006): Another gritty crime drama set in South Boston, exploring the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the allure of a life of crime.
• The Town (2010): A heist film also set in Boston that delves into the lives of career criminals and their relationships with their community.
• Good Will Hunting (1997): Set in South Boston, explores themes of friendship, overcoming adversity, and escaping a predetermined path.

🛒 What Doesn’t Kill You Related Products

• The Departed (Blu-ray): Another gritty Boston crime drama starring some of Hollywood’s best actors; a natural addition to your movie collection. This movie shares a similar crime theme and setting.
• Boston Crime Films: A Critical Analysis: A deep dive into the themes and visual style that defines Boston crime cinema, this book analyzes movies such as “The Departed” and “What Doesn’t Kill You.”
• South Boston T-Shirt – Irish Pride: Show your Southie spirit with a vintage-style t-shirt representing the Irish heritage of the neighborhood.
• Ruffalo: The Early Years: A compilation of early Mark Ruffalo films, showcasing his rise to fame and his impressive range.

🎧 Soundtrack

What Doesn’t Kill You features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Buzzard Luck” – performed by Swamp Dogg
• “Alex Wurman Score” – performed by Alex Wurman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kelly Clarkson – Because Of You (VIDEO)

Ever wonder what song perfectly captures the heartbreak in some movies? Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Because of You’ is a powerful tune that might resonate with a film’s emotional core. Give it a listen and see if it fits!

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]

Looking for an anthem to get you through tough times, just like our main character? Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Stronger’ is the ultimate pick-me-up song that embodies resilience and the ability to rise above challenges. It’s an empowering listen for sure!

How Too Much Caffeine Can Kill You 😨

Did you know that too much coffee can actually be dangerous? This short video about the effects of caffeine is super interesting. Check it out, especially if the movie has high stakes or intense scenes!

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