Death Wish

Paul Kersey and his wife Joanna embark on a peaceful vacation to the paradise of Hawaii. This trip stands in stark contrast to the turmoil that awaits them upon their return to New York City.

Upon returning to New York, Paul resumes his life as an architect. Little do they know that their normal life is about to be shattered by a violent turn of events.

While grocery shopping at D'Agostino's, Paul and Joanna encounter a trio of hooligans causing chaos. The situation escalates as these delinquents follow Joanna back to their apartment.

The hooligans break into Paul's apartment, searching for money and viciously assaulting Joanna and their daughter, Carol Anne. This traumatic event leaves the family irrevocably altered.

Paul receives a devastating call from his son-in-law, Jack Toby, informing him that Joanna and Carol are in the hospital. This news plunges Paul into despair as he rushes to their side.

At the hospital, Paul learns that while Carol is physically safe, Joanna has tragically succumbed to her injuries. This heartbreaking moment leaves Paul feeling powerless and filled with rage.

During a troubled night, Paul narrowly escapes a robbery attempt by a mugger. This close call ignites a new sense of urgency and instinct for self-defense within him.

Paul's boss sends him on a business trip to Tucson, where he meets Ames Jainchill. This trip provides Paul with a brief respite from his sorrow, as well as a chance encounter that will change his life.

During his time in Tucson, Paul showcases his shooting skills during a mock gunfight. Ames, impressed, secretly gifts him a nickel-plated .32 Colt Police Positive revolver, which symbolizes a significant shift in Paul's mindset.

Back in New York, Paul feels an overwhelming compulsion towards vigilantism after discovering the revolver. His first act involves shooting a mugger in a moment of primal instinct, marking the beginning of his dark journey.

As Paul adopts his new persona, he begins targeting individuals he perceives as threats to the innocent. His violent actions escalate, giving rise to his reputation as a vigilante within the city.

Detective Lt. Frank Ochoa begins investigating the mysterious vigilante responsible for cleaning up the streets. As Paul continues his spree, the tension between him and law enforcement grows significantly.

Paul struggles with the deterioration of his personal life, ultimately deciding to place his daughter, Carol, in a mental institution. His motivations for vigilantism begin to take a toll on his remaining family.

As the hunt for Paul intensifies, he realizes he must leave New York to escape arrest. His choices lead him deeper into a life of vengeance and away from his prior existence as a family man.

In the film's climactic final moments, Paul arrives at Chicago Union Station only to encounter chaos as he intervenes to save a woman from hoodlums. His actions signal a continuation of his vigilante crusade, leaving audiences pondering the nature of justice.