1992

The film begins in 1992 Los Angeles, where tensions are escalating as the community anticipates the verdict in Rodney King's case. Riots are about to erupt across the city, creating a tense and hostile atmosphere. Mercer has just been released from prison and is trying to reconnect with his son Antoine amidst the chaos.

Mercer, who just got out of prison, makes an effort to get closer to his son Antoine, who has been living with his mother and grandmother. After his mother's death, Antoine now resides with Mercer, who is determined to prevent his son from following his troubled path. Mercer advises Antoine to stay safe during the unrest and go straight home from school.

While at work, Mercer encounters his former friends from his violent days. Despite their presence, Mercer shows that he's trying to change his life and avoid old habits. Meanwhile, Antoine watches the news about the verdict, which fuels his anger and frustration.

After hearing the verdict on TV, Antoine becomes enraged and decides to go out into the riot-torn streets. Mercer, concerned for his son's safety, discusses going to the metal company's site with his coworker Joe, who grants him security clearance. The violence on the streets prompts employees to leave work early.

A small-time thief, Lowell, along with his sons Riggin and Dennis, plot to rob Pluton Metals, where a new vault guards valuable platinum bars. They discuss breaking into the facility, aware of the high security measures, including a steel cap that seals the vault if a panic button is pressed.

As the violence intensifies, Mercer finds Antoine and takes him to the metal plant for safety. Police and crowds block their path, and Mercer encounters an old friend D-Ville, who gives him a gun, though Mercer declines. Antoine's distress grows as he witnesses the chaos around him.

Lowell and his crew breach the security at Pluton Metals, using a Taser on the security guard to gain entry. Inside, they unexpectedly encounter Joe, a worker caught in the crossfire. Joe tries to defend himself but is shot by the robbers, who then proceed to access the vault.

While Mercer searches for Antoine inside the building, Antoine encounters Dennis, who threatens him with a gun. Mercer finds Joe dead and grabs a weapon to look for his son. The robbers advance with the platinum as Mercer navigates the dangerous environment to protect Antoine.

Mercer uses his knowledge of the building to disable the power and create a distraction, allowing him to hurt some of the robbers and escape. Meanwhile, Lowell kills Copen in a brutal act, and Mercer confronts the robbers, tying up Riggin. Lowell captures Antoine to use as leverage against Mercer.

Mercer, Riggin, Antoine, and Dennis attempt to escape with the platinum in a van. Lowell and his accomplice pursue them, leading to a shootout. Dennis is fatally wounded, Riggin is killed by Lowell, and Antoine shoots Lowell from behind, ending the threat. Mercer hugs his son as they drive away to safety.