Narcotics Sergeant Nick Tellis, on leave after a trauma, is called back to investigate the murder of fellow undercover operative Michael Calvess, joined by the victim's unpredictable and brutal ex-partner, Henry Oak. Working together in the back alleys of Detroit, Tellis and Oak delve into a dark investigation that leads them to uncover shocking secrets and question the corruption and morality within the department, encountering unorthodox methods and a brutal truth about Calvess's death.
Acting
Liotta's volcanic diner monologue — career-defining unhinged.
Direction
Carnahan's kinetic handheld chaos before it became cliché.
Editing
Jarring flash cuts that mirror fractured trauma memory.
Director
Joe Carnahan
Jason Patric
Det. Sgt. Nick Tellis
Ray Liotta
Det. Lt. Henry Oak
Chi McBride
Cpt. Mitchell Cheevers
Krista Bridges
Audrey Tellis
John Ortiz
Octavio Ruiz
Busta Rhymes
Darnell 'Big D Love' Beery
Richard Chevolleau
Latroy Steeds
Alan van Sprang
Michael Calvess
Anne Openshaw
Kathryn Calvess
Tony De Santis
Medical Examiner Art Harlan
Lina Giornofelice
Jeanine Mueller
A.C. Peterson
Freeman Franks
Bishop Brigante
Eugene "Deacon" Sheps
Stacey Farber
Young Kathryn
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Tom Cruise's company financed this after seeing Carnahan's short film, essentially buying a $3.5 million calling card for the director.
The deleted scenes reveal Oak's wife was also an addict, explaining his obsessive protection of Calvess's family — a detail that recontextualizes his entire rampage.
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