At Close Range

At Close Range

Year: 1986

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: James Foley

DramaCrime

In rural Pennsylvania, the Whitewood family's dark legacy unfolds. Sons Brad Jr. (Sean Penn) and Tommy (Chris Penn) are drawn into their crime lord father's (Christopher Walken) orbit, embracing a life of organized chaos. But as they face the consequences of their own criminal endeavors, they must confront the chilling reality: their father will stop at nothing to maintain his freedom.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – At Close Range (1986)
Trace every key event in At Close Range (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Brad Whitewood Sr.'s Criminal Empire

In a rural landscape, Brad Whitewood Sr. establishes himself as the head of a powerful criminal gang. His influence seeps into the community, where crime becomes a way of life for many, including his own family.

Rural community
2

Brad Whitewood Jr.'s Descent

Brad Whitewood Jr., a troubled teenager, finds himself drawn into his father's criminal life. Initially seeking excitement and financial gain, he partners with his brother Tommy to engage in illegal activities.

3

Jr. and Terry's Romance

As Jr.'s relationship with 16-year-old Terry blossoms, he becomes increasingly entangled in a web of lies and deceit. This romance complicates his life further, making him a target for both his father's manipulations and the law.

4

The Theft of Tractors

Jr. and his gang get caught attempting to steal tractors, marking a significant turning point in their criminal exploits. This incident leads to increased scrutiny from the FBI and local law enforcement.

5

Facing Legal Consequences

After being apprehended, Jr. is pressured to testify against his father's illegal operations. This moment forces him into a moral quandary, torn between loyalty to his family and the consequences of their actions.

6

Sr.'s Paranoia

Brad Whitewood Sr. becomes increasingly paranoid, believing that Terry is a threat to his criminal activities. He devises a sinister plan to destroy their relationship by exploiting Terry's vulnerabilities.

7

The Manipulation of Terry

Using drugs and intimidation, Sr. works to undermine Terry, attempting to isolate her from Jr. His manipulation sets off a chain reaction that leads to devastating consequences for all involved.

8

Violence Escalates

Casualties begin to mount within Jr.'s circle, as his friends and associates, including Lucas and Aggie, are murdered one by one. The violence highlights the brutal nature of the family’s criminal life and the stakes they face.

9

Planning Escape

Desperate to escape the chaos, Jr. and Terry concoct a plan to flee to Montana. However, their hopes are shattered when tragedy strikes, altering the course of their lives irrevocably.

Montana
10

Terry's Death

In a horrific turn of events, Terry dies, leaving Jr. devastated and physically injured. This tragedy serves as a brutal wake-up call for Jr., igniting a fierce desire for revenge against his father.

11

Confrontation with Sr.

In a climactic showdown, Jr. confronts his father, armed with Sr.'s own weapon. Tension rises as Jr. wrestles with the decision to seek vengeance or justice.

12

The Decision to Testify

In a moment of true introspection, Jr. decides to testify against his father instead of taking revenge. This crucial decision is a turning point, reflecting his desire to break free from the cycle of violence.

Courtroom
13

The Trial

During the trial, the extent of Brad Whitewood Sr.'s criminal empire is laid bare for the world to see. Jr.'s testimony reveals the dark truth, profoundly affecting everyone involved.

14

Aftermath of Testimony

Following the trial, the lives of Jr. and his family are forever altered. The consequences of their actions lead to reflection, pain, and an uncertain future, highlighting the cost of crime.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 18:23

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