City of Lies
A determined detective, Russell Poole, is compelled to reopen his investigation into the murder of Tupac Shakur. Partnering with a journalist known as "Jack" Jackson, he embarks on a relentless search for the truth. Their pursuit exposes a complex network of corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department, revealing dangerous secrets and challenging the integrity of the city's institutions. The pair must navigate a perilous path as they confront powerful forces determined to keep the truth buried.
Warning: spoilers below!
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City of Lies (2021) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown
Still thinking about how City of Lies (2021) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
In the film’s conclusion, Russell Poole remains haunted by the unresolved case of the murders of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Despite his relentless efforts to find the truth, he faces substantial obstacles from corrupt elements within the LAPD who try to cover up their involvement in the crimes. Poole believes that police officers, including David Mack and Rafa Perez, helped orchestrate Wallace’s murder, with possible connections to Death Row Records and powerful figures like Suge Knight. His theory suggests that the LAPD and Death Row were intertwined, collaborating in silence to eliminate Wallace and suppress evidence.
Throughout the film, Poole struggles to reconcile the immense corruption he uncovers, which threatens to collapse the entire system. His investigation leads him to the blacked-out final moments of Wallace’s life, where he suspects that Wallace was murdered during a coordinated ambush involving walkie-talkies and vehicles. Poole’s theories point to high-level police involvement and organized crime, but concrete proof remains elusive.
Despite working tirelessly and even resigning from the force, Poole’s pursuit of justice ultimately ends in tragedy—he suffers a heart attack and passes away, unable to see justice served. Before his death, he helps Wallace’s mother attempt to reopen the case, but corruption and systemic cover-ups keep the truth out of reach. In the film’s final scenes, a journalist pays tribute to Poole as a forgotten hero, recognizing his relentless quest for truth amid a corrupt system that remains resistant to justice. The murder cases of Wallace and Tupac remain officially unsolved, leaving a haunting question about the deeper forces behind these crimes. Poole’s unwavering dedication highlights the tragic reality of systemic corruption and the relentless pursuit of truth in a city haunted by secrets.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Movies about obsessive investigators like City of Lies
Stories where a relentless individual unravels a dangerous, systemic conspiracy.If you liked the relentless quest for truth in City of Lies, explore other movies where a lone investigator confronts powerful, corrupt systems. These films feature determined protagonists who risk everything to uncover buried secrets, creating tense and morally complex thrillers similar in vibe.
True Story
2015
City of Lies
2021
Cleaner
2008
Detective Story
1951
Exposed
2016
Disappearance at Clifton Hill
2020
Brown's Requiem
2000
City of Lies
2018
Under Suspicion
1991
Detective Story
2007
The Buckingham Murders
2023
The Stoneman Murders
2009
The Prowler
1951
The Oxford Murders
2008
Bandra
2023
Narrative Summary
The narrative follows a protagonist's dogged investigation into a seemingly isolated event, which gradually exposes a much larger, systemic conspiracy. The story unfolds methodically, revealing layers of deception and resistance from powerful forces, often at great personal cost to the hero.
Why These Movies?
Movies in this thread share a focus on the psychological toll of investigating corruption. They feature a similar mood of paranoia and frustration, a steady, investigative pacing, and a dark tone where the pursuit of truth is noble but often leads to isolation and tragic consequences.
Movies about police corruption like City of Lies
Grim narratives exposing how systems designed for justice are fundamentally broken.Fans of City of Lies who appreciate its grim portrayal of LAPD corruption will find similar movies here. These crime dramas and thrillers explore the theme of justice system failure, cover-ups, and the heavy emotional weight of confronting a corrupt establishment.
Brick
2006
Where the Truth Lies
2005
Tell Me Something
2001
City of Lies
2021
Crooked House
2017
Side Effects
2013
All the King's Men
2006
Colors of Evil: Red
2024
Bhindi Baazaar Inc
2011
Ebar Shabor
2015
Sharp Objects
1000
Silent Scream
1990
Homicidal
1961
One on Top of the Other
1969
The Woman in Question
1950
Narrative Summary
The narrative pattern involves exposing a wide-reaching conspiracy protected by the very institution meant to serve justice. The conflict is not against a single villain but an entrenched system, resulting in a story where achieving true justice is impossible, and the ending often feels unresolved or tragically sad.
Why These Movies?
These films are grouped by their shared dark tone, high intensity, and heavy emotional weight stemming from themes of systemic failure. They create a similar viewing experience of gripping tension and somber disappointment, centered on the idea that the powerful are rarely held accountable.
Unlock the Full Story of City of Lies
Don't stop at just watching — explore City of Lies 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 City of Lies is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
City of Lies Summary
Read a complete plot summary of City of Lies, 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.
City of Lies Timeline
Track the full timeline of City of Lies with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Characters, Settings & Themes in City of Lies
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape City of Lies. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
