City of Lies
When Los Angeles Police detective Russell Poole investigates the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., he uncovers a disturbing cover-up. Years later, reporter Jack Jackson, seeking to revive his career, joins forces with Poole. Together, they delve into a complex and deeply rooted network of institutional corruption and deceit as they pursue the truth behind the unsolved case.
City of Lies (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview
Get a spoiler-free look at City of Lies (2018) 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.
Los Angeles looms large in the film, a sprawling metropolis where glitz and glare sit beside rusted avenues and whispered histories. The city’s pulse is a restless mix of celebrity excess, street‑level tension, and a lingering sense that the official story never tells the whole truth. Within this layered backdrop, a lingering question about two iconic murders hangs over the streets, inviting anyone with a taste for digging deeper to stare into the shadows.
Russell Poole is a retired LAPD detective whose career has been marked by high‑profile investigations and a reputation that has become as tarnished as it is respected. Haunted by unfinished business and a personal sense of failure, he walks the line between insider knowledge and outsider cynicism, aware of how institutional politics can eclipse raw fact. His experience grants him a keen eye for the hidden connections that most overlook, but it also leaves him wrestling with the cost of truth in a system that protects its own.
Jack Jackson is an investigative reporter whose own professional trajectory has stalled, leaving him hungry for a story that could restore his standing. When he learns of the lingering mysteries surrounding the unsolved murders, he sees an opportunity to chase a narrative that could finally cut through the noise. His partnership with Poole brings together a skeptical, world‑weary cop and an eager, idealistic journalist, creating a dynamic tension between street‑savvy pragmatism and earnest curiosity.
The film moves with a gritty, almost noir‑like rhythm, blending the restless energy of Los Angeles with a tone that feels both urgent and reflective. As the two protagonists navigate bureaucratic labyrinths and muted whispers of corruption, the audience is drawn into a world where every grin hides a secret and every alley could hold the next clue. Their uneasy alliance hints at a deeper hunt for accountability, promising a tense, immersive journey through the city’s most concealed corners.
Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 16:45
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City of Lies Summary
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City of Lies Timeline
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