Broken City

Broken City

Year: 2013

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Allen Hughes

DramaThrillerCrime

Haunted by his past, former cop Billy Taggart is unexpectedly brought back into the fold by Mayor Nicolas Hostetler. The Mayor seeks Billy's help to investigate rumors of his wife’s infidelity. As Billy delves into the situation, he uncovers a complex network of lies, corruption, and dangerous secrets that put him and everything he values at risk.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Broken City yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Broken City (2013) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Broken City (2013) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a rain‑slick city that never quite sleeps, former NYPD detective Billy Taggart finds himself coaxed out of retirement by a charismatic mayor who needs a discreet set of eyes. The mayor’s request—looking into whispers of his wife’s possible infidelity—places Taggart at the uneasy intersection of personal loyalty and public scrutiny, setting the tone for a modern‑day noir where every conversation could hide a hidden agenda.

Haunted by the ghosts of his former badge, Taggart grapples with more than just the weight of the investigation. Years of service have left him nursing a quiet dependence on alcohol and a mounting pile of debts that threaten to swallow his resolve. At home, his relationship with aspiring actress Natalie Barrow offers both a fragile anchor and a source of lingering doubt, as the pressures of her rising career clash with his own precarious stability. Yet his sharp instincts and a lingering code of honor keep him moving forward, even as the city’s shadows seem to close in.

The mayor, Nicholas Hostetler, is a figure whose public smile masks a labyrinth of political ambition; his upcoming re‑election looms large, and every rumor carries the potential to shift the balance of power. Against this backdrop, the gritty streets pulse with a mix of sleek political maneuvering and the undercurrent of long‑buried corruption. Taggart’s investigation becomes a conduit for exploring how personal histories intertwine with the city’s broader machinations, prompting him to question where his loyalties truly lie. The film weaves a brooding atmosphere of tension, moral ambiguity, and relentless curiosity, inviting the audience to wonder which truth will surface when old sins are finally called to account.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 06:44

Unlock the Full Story of Broken City

Don't stop at just watching — explore Broken City in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Broken City is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Broken City Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Broken City, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Broken City Summary

Broken City Timeline

Track the full timeline of Broken City with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Broken City Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Broken City

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Broken City. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Broken City

More About Broken City

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Broken City: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Broken City

Similar Movies to Broken City

Discover movies like Broken City that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.