Criminal
Year: 2004
Runtime: 87 min
Language: Punjabi
Director: Gregory Jacobs
A couple's already strained marriage is further complicated when they unknowingly harbor a group of dangerous prison escapees in their home. The situation escalates into a chaotic and thrilling pursuit as Inspector Vikram arrives to investigate. As the escapees and the couple's lives become dangerously intertwined, a tense cat-and-mouse game unfolds, ultimately leading to an unexpected resolution focused on love and understanding.
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Criminal (2004) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Criminal (2004), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Starring Diego Luna and John C. Reilly, this sharp, character-driven con–drama follows Richard Gaddis, a small-time crook who believes that appearances matter just as much as cleverness. To pull off bigger schemes, he dresses the part of a respectable businessman, convinced that looking the part is essential to earning trust and evading suspicion.
Gaddis sets his sights on a new partner to execute more sophisticated cons and soon spots Rodrigo, a young man flashing a knack for small-time deceit in a casino-bar. When Rodrigo is caught, Gaddis steps in as a pretend vice officer to save him, turning danger into a shared opportunity. Rodrigo’s contribution is a faces and a naïve demeanor so trustworthy that he can con almost anyone, while Richard remains wholly unprincipled and devilishly clever. After several tests designed to gauge Rodrigo’s trustworthiness, they agree to partner up.
Rodrigo accepts the alliance, but only if he receives a cut of the proceeds to help his ailing father, who is in trouble because of gambling debts. Richard agrees, and they set their sights on selling a fraudulent version of a silver certificate currency note to William Hannigan, a rich collector who is in town.
The scheme grows more tangled when Hannigan takes a liking to Valerie, Gaddis’s sister and a hotel concierge, pulling her into the plan. The expansion comes at a cost: Richard must pressure his own brother, Michael, to admit that he was cheated out of his share of the inheritance. As the con unfolds, the plot twists continually, with each character becoming more deeply invested, and Richard’s scheming nature driving him to try and cheat Rodrigo, Valerie, and Michael out of their portions.
In a twist ending, it is revealed that all the major players involved, including Rodrigo and Hannigan, were playing a “confidence game” against Gaddis from the very beginning, so that Valerie and Michael could rightfully take their share of their inheritance.
Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:04
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.
Con artist thrillers and deception plots like in Criminal
Narratives built on layers of lies, where trust is the ultimate gamble.If you liked the intricate confidence game in Criminal, explore more movies where manipulation and cunning schemes drive the plot. These films feature clever twists, morally ambiguous characters, and a constant sense of suspense where the line between hunter and hunted is blurred.
Narrative Summary
Stories in this thread often follow a methodical build-up of a scheme, introducing characters whose true allegiances are hidden. The plot typically involves a series of tests or escalating maneuvers, leading to a major reveal that re-contextualizes everything that came before. The central conflict is intellectual and psychological, pitting wits against wits.
Why These Movies?
These films are grouped by their focus on elaborate deception as the core plot mechanism. They share a tense, sharp tone and a steady, deliberate pacing that allows the complexities of the con to unravel convincingly. The experience is defined by intellectual suspense and the thrill of the reveal.
Thrillers where home becomes a trap, similar to Criminal
Threats that invade personal spaces, turning familiar safety into a tense trap.For viewers who enjoyed the tense scenario in Criminal where escapees invade a couple's home, this collection highlights movies where personal spaces are violated. These films explore the psychological strain of being trapped or betrayed in a familiar environment, creating high-stakes suspense.
Narrative Summary
The narrative pattern involves a rupture of the domestic sphere, where a safe haven becomes a prison or a battlefield. The story unfolds through escalating tension within a confined space, testing relationships and personal resolve. The central theme is the fragility of safety and the psychological impact of having one's sanctuary compromised.
Why These Movies?
These movies share a specific vibe of psychological siege and domestic unease. They are connected by a tense, anxious mood, a steady pacing that builds claustrophobia, and a medium intensity focused on psychological threat rather than overt violence. The experience is one of sustained suspense in a relatable, vulnerable setting.
Unlock the Full Story of Criminal
Don't stop at just watching — explore Criminal 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 Criminal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Criminal Timeline
Track the full timeline of Criminal 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 Criminal
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Criminal. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
