American Animals

In 2003, Spencer Reinhard, an art student in Lexington, Kentucky, struggles with a profound sense of purposelessness in his life. Feeling unfulfilled, he starts seeking inspiration that could reshape his dull reality, setting the stage for a transformative adventure.

Spencer meets Warren Lipka, a rebellious athlete whose aversion to sports contrasts with his family's expectations. Their bond forms over shared frustrations and a longing for excitement, leading them to hatch a daring plan.

The duo visits the Transylvania University library, captivated by its rare book collection. This intriguing experience plants the seeds of a grand heist idea, as they dream of stealing a first edition of John James Audubon's 'The Birds of America.'

Warren travels to Amsterdam, seeking connections with black market buyers who ignite their ambition for the heist. Their conversations reveal the staggering financial potential of their plan, driving them to recruit a larger crew.

To execute their heist, Warren and Spencer enlist childhood friends Eric Borsuk and Chas Allen. Eric helps strategize, while Chas reluctantly agrees to be their getaway driver, despite the looming risks.

The group recognizes their most significant challenge: Betty Jean Gooch, the librarian tasked with safeguarding the priceless books. Her vigilance and dedication create tension as they plan the intricate heist.

On the day of the heist, the group, disguised as elderly businessmen, infiltrates the library. However, sensing too many patrons present, they retreat, realizing their initial plan may be flawed and needing reevaluation.

The heist takes a chaotic turn as Spencer and Warren return to the library. In a moment of panic, Warren clumsily tasers Betty, leading to a struggle and a frantic escape with two rare books, leaving two Audubon texts behind.

The thieves take their stolen books to Christie's auction house in New York, hoping for validation. Spencer leaves his contact information, anticipating a possible sale, while Chas reflects on their mistakes during the heist.

As they return to Lexington, Spencer fears that their online communications may lead to their arrest. Tension mounts within the group as they become increasingly aware of the potential consequences of their actions.

The group's downfall escalates as they engage in reckless behavior; Warren is caught shoplifting, Spencer gets into a car accident, and Eric finds himself in a bar brawl. Each incident heightens the pressure and leads them closer to discovery.

The inevitable conclusion arrives when the FBI raids their homes, leading to the arrests of Spencer, Warren, Eric, and Chas. Each faces a harsh sentence of seven years in prison for their criminal activities.

After serving their sentences, the real individuals reflect on their past actions with remorse. They struggle with the pain caused to their families and the weight of their choices during the heist.

In the epilogue, we learn about their lives post-incarceration. Eric pursues a writing career in California, Chas becomes a fitness coach in Los Angeles, and Warren studies filmmaking, while Spencer finds artistic purpose in Lexington.

Meanwhile, Betty Jean Gooch continues her dedicated work at Transylvania University, unwavering in her commitment to protect the rare books. Her strength and resilience stand as a testament to the chaos that surrounded the failed heist.