Born to Win

The film begins chronicling the life of J, a former hairdresser who is now a drug addict. His marriage is over, and he aimlessly navigates through the chaotic streets of Times Square, lost and in despair.

J's situation shifts as he begins doing occasional deals for the intimidating drug dealer known as Vivian, played by Hector Elizondo. This new association exposes J to the darker side of his addiction and further complicates his life.

J and his fellow junkie friend, Billy Dynamite, devise a plan to steal a safe from a cashier. However, their plan is thwarted when they are caught, leading to a desperate attempt to escape.

In a surprising twist, while attempting to steal a car, J meets Parm, a free-spirited woman who captivates him. Their unexpected encounter blossoms into a deep romance, offering J a glimmer of hope amidst his turmoil.

During their intimate moments, Parm discovers a tattoo on J's arm that reads 'Born to Win.' This tattoo symbolizes J's pride and the facade he maintains, despite his painful reality and addiction.

As J's addiction worsens, he returns to dealing drugs and continues spiraling out of control. After delivering narcotics to a powerful figure in Vivian's network, J's reckless choices lead him to further trouble.

J and Billy make the fateful decision to rob Stanley's girlfriend, which quickly goes wrong. Their plan collapses when they face corrupt cops, leading to a tense confrontation.

The aftermath of the botched robbery results in J's arrest. Faced with jail time, he reluctantly agrees to become an informant, putting him deeper into the treacherous world of drug dealing and betrayal.

Seeking solace, J attempts to escape the city with Parm, hoping for a fresh start. However, their fleeting happiness is shattered when J is pulled back to the city for a drug delivery.

A devastating turn of events occurs when J's friend Billy overdoses on drugs meant for J. Overcome with grief and guilt, J abandons Billy's body in an elevator, further spiraling his mental state.

In a cruel twist, detectives frame Parm by planting drugs on her, separating the two lovers and leaving J alone again. This betrayal deepens J's sense of despair as he realizes the depth of his circumstances.

Feeling the weight of his decisions, J finds himself at Vivian's club, now dependent on the very drugs he once sold. This reflects his complete surrender to his addiction and loss of agency over his life.

Alone and haunted by his choices, J reflects on his life and the people he has lost. He confronts the stark reality that he may become just another victim of the drugs, labeling him a 'hot shot.'

The film concludes with J sitting alone on a bench in the heart of Times Square. This poignant moment symbolizes his uncertain future and the internal struggle he faces against his addiction.