Death Wish

Death Wish

Year: 1974

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Winner

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

After a devastating home invasion claims his wife's life and shatters his world, a New York City architect descends into vigilantism. Consumed by grief and rage, he embarks on a campaign of calculated revenge against the criminals who took everything from him. By night, he stalks and eliminates those who prey on the city’s vulnerable, seeking retribution and a twisted form of justice.

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Death Wish (1974) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Death Wish (1974) 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.

In the restless streets of 1970s New York, ordinary life feels fragile under the weight of unseen danger. The city pulses with a gritty realism, its towering apartments and crowded avenues forming a backdrop where safety is an illusion and every shadow hints at a threat. Within this urban tapestry, the film establishes a tone of stark tension, blending the cold efficiency of modern architecture with the warm, chaotic humanity of its inhabitants.

Paul Kersey returns from a brief vacation to discover that his world has been irrevocably shattered. An accomplished architect accustomed to designing structures, he now confronts a personal crisis that forces him to question the very foundations of justice. The loss of his beloved wife, Joanna, and the vulnerability of his daughter thrust him into a liminal space between grief and resolve, where the desire for retribution begins to surface beneath his composed exterior.

As the story unfolds, the city itself becomes a character—its bustling markets, dimly lit alleys, and indifferent institutions reflecting the isolation felt by those left to cope with tragedy. The presence of law enforcement, embodied by a determined lieutenant, underscores the growing gap between official order and the desperate need for immediate action. Paul finds himself at the crossroads of civic duty and personal vendetta, hinting at a transformation that will test the limits of his morality. The atmosphere remains charged with anticipation, inviting viewers to wonder how far a grieving man will go when the lines between protector and avenger begin to blur.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:15

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Death Wish Summary

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Death Wish Summary

Death Wish Timeline

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Death Wish Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Death Wish

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Death Wish

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