American Hustle

In 1978, con artists Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser join forces, forming a romantic relationship fueled by their shared talents for deception. Together, they devise a series of scams that dramatically increase their income and scope of operations.

Sydney enhances their scams by impersonating 'Lady Edith Greensley,' a fictional British aristocrat linked to powerful London banks. This transformation significantly boosts their operations, allowing them to triple their profits almost overnight.

As their partnership flourishes, Irving struggles with his commitment to his wife, Rosalyn, who refuses to grant him a divorce and remains suspicious of his activities. This personal conflict complicates their lives and adds pressure to their relationship.

FBI agent Richie DiMaso uncovers their scheme but approaches them with a deal instead of an arrest. He wants their assistance in making four additional arrests, creating a precarious alliance built on mutual benefit and growing tension.

Irving organizes a charade by hiring a friend to impersonate a wealthy Arab Sheikh interested in investing in the U.S. This scheme aims to manipulate Mayor Carmine Polito, who needs financial support for his campaign to revive Atlantic City gambling.

The con involves the Sheikh obtaining permits and licenses from Mayor Carmine in exchange for a bribe, with Richie eager to capture a high-profile target. The stakes rise as $2 million are covertly transferred into a Chase account under the Sheikh's name, enhancing the deception.

Irving befriends Mayor Carmine Polito, distancing himself from Richie to reassure Carmine of the Sheikh's legitimacy. This manipulation fosters trust, making Carmine more susceptible to their fraudulent scheme.

Irving's decision to invite Rosalyn to dinner with Carmine and his wife heightens tensions between him and Sydney. As the evening unfolds, jealousy and mistrust bubble to the surface, threatening their carefully crafted alliance.

Richie's orchestrated gathering at a casino party introduces mobsters, including the dangerous Victor Tellegio. To establish credibility, Tellegio insists that the Sheikh must bribe officials and demands an enormous transfer, complicating the overall scheme.

Richie's growing affection for Sydney leads to confrontation when she drops her accent, revealing her true origins. Feeling betrayed, Richie threatens to expose their scam, forcing Irving to consider desperate measures.

Irving's home life grows tumultuous as Rosalyn engages in an affair with mobster Pete Musane. This betrayal creates further conflict as Irving tries to manage his family dynamics while maintaining the facade of their con.

The group devises a plan to expose Congress members in a bribery deal concerning the Sheikh's citizenship. Initially driven by self-interest, Irving begins to experience ethical concerns regarding the consequences of their actions.

Confronting Carmine about their deception leads Irving to feel empathy for the mayor's suffering. This realization prompts him to seek a way to protect Carmine amidst the chaos of their con.

An anonymous benefactor proposes a solution: return the stolen funds in exchange for immunity for Irving and Sydney. This unexpected turn of events offers a glimmer of hope in their precarious situation.

Following the unraveling of their operation, Irving and Sydney decide to pursue legitimate paths, opening an art gallery together. Meanwhile, Rosalyn moves on with Pete, and the mob allows Irving to continue his new life unbothered.