Crown Vic

The movie opens with a dramatic scene at a bank in downtown Los Angeles, where two heavily armed robbers engage in a violent shootout with police. This chaos sets the stage for the intense atmosphere that will permeate the film, reminiscent of the infamous 1997 North Hollywood shootout.

As night descends, we meet LAPD veteran Ray Mandel, who is preparing for his patrol shift in a Crown Vic. Ray is a seasoned officer navigating the challenges of a changing department that seems ready to move on without him, providing a glimpse into his internal struggles.

Ray is set to train rookie officer Nick Holland, who is eager to prove himself and escape the shadow of his renowned LAPD father. Their partnership marks the beginning of an intense night filled with both action and revelation as they face the dangers of the city.

On their patrol, the weight of the department's anxieties hangs heavily on them as two cop killers remain at large. Nick quickly learns that being a patrol officer entails navigating the city's dangers while maintaining composure amidst the chaos and violence.

Their shift takes a grim turn when they conduct a welfare check on the widow of Ray's late partner. They discover that she has fallen back into drug use and her daughter is missing, complicating Ray's night and adding personal stakes to their patrol.

Ray encounters Jack Van Zandt, a high-strung bipolar cop, and his sycophantic partner Stroke Adams. This meeting brings an additional layer of tension and unpredictability as they are eager to settle an old score with a resurfaced suspect.

Amidst the chaos, Ray uncovers the location of the missing girl. Driven by a personal connection, he reveals to Nick that the girl is actually his daughter, born from an affair with his deceased partner's wife, adding emotional weight to their mission.

Determined to rescue the girl, Ray decides to go off the grid, fully aware of the risks involved. This choice highlights his commitment to acting on personal impulses, even in the face of potential departmental consequences.

As their shift nears its end, Nick attempts his first independent operation during a routine traffic stop, but the situation escalates dramatically. To his shock, the occupants are the very cop killers they've been pursuing, leading to a perilous confrontation.

A hail of gunfire interrupts the traffic stop, and Nick finds himself in a dire situation. Just when all seems lost, Ray rushes in to save him, showcasing his dedication and reinforcing the bond between the two officers amid the chaos.

After the adrenaline-fueled confrontation, Ray and Nick return to the motor pool, where their night began. This marks a poignant moment for them as they process the events and the lessons learned through their turbulent shift.

In the aftermath of the night’s harrowing experiences, Ray shares his insights on what it truly means to be a cop. He attempts to impart his understanding to Nick, who is left to grapple with the reality of their dangerous profession.

As the night concludes, Nick is forever changed by the events he has witnessed. The brutal realities of police work have solidified his understanding of the challenges faced by officers, compelling him to reflect on his own future in law enforcement.