Killing Them Softly

Amidst the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis and presidential election, Johnny 'Squirrel' Amato devises a risky plan to rob a Mafia poker game. He recruits his former business partner Frankie and Russell, an Australian ex-pat with a drug habit, to assist him in this heist.

Johnny gathers his team despite the brewing tensions between him and Russell. Johnny is concerned about Russell's reckless behavior, while Russell sees Johnny as too weak for their dangerous endeavor, highlighting the underlying conflicts in their partnership.

The crew sets its sights on Markie Trattman's poker game. Given Markie's history of staging robberies on his own operation, Johnny believes he will be the prime suspect, thus allowing them to escape without suspicion from the Mafia or law enforcement.

After the heist is planned, the Mafia sends Dillon to interrogate Markie about the robbery. Markie's evasive responses buy him time, but he knows that his luck may not hold as the Mafia's scrutiny intensifies.

Frankie and Russell attempt to execute the robbery, armed with makeshift weapons and lacking in experience. Surprisingly, they manage to steal a substantial amount of money, robbing both the poker game and its players despite their amateurish tactics.

In the immediate aftermath of their successful robbery, a Mafia operative named Driver hires hitman Jackie Cogan to deal with the ramifications. Jackie, a professional with a cold and calculating demeanor, realizes that they need to teach a lesson to prevent future heists.

Despite Markie's protestations of innocence, Jackie assigns two brothers, Barry and Stevie, to carry out a brutal beating on him. This highlights the violent nature of the underworld and Jackie's cold approach to ensuring fear and compliance.

While in Florida attempting to sell stolen dogs, Russell casually mentions details about the heist to a potential drug dealer named Kenny Gill. This slip of the tongue raises alarms for Jackie, who starts to connect the dots regarding the heist's perpetrators.

Realizing the need to personally address the situation, Jackie methodically gathers information about Johnny 'Squirrel' Amato's whereabouts. His investigation reveals the levels of betrayal and danger within their criminal enterprise.

Jackie confronts Johnny 'Squirrel' Amato after piecing together the heist's details. In a shocking and ruthless act, Jackie executes Squirrel, demonstrating the brutal reality of their world where betrayal is often dealt with by swift violence.

As America waits for the outcome of the presidential election, Barack Obama delivers his victory speech. This backdrop of hope starkly contrasts with the grim realities of the criminal underworld, where Jackie is settling accounts.

After eliminating the threats from the heist, Jackie meets Driver to discuss payment for his mercenary services. Their intense negotiation reflects the harsh economic realities of their world, revealing the cutthroat nature of both business and crime.

Jackie’s final declaration during the payment negotiation captures the essence of his perspective on America. He cynically states that America is not a community but a merciless business, encapsulating the film's themes of ambition and survival amid economic despair.