On August 22, 1972, the story unfolds with Sonny Wortzik, portrayed by Al Pacino, as he embarks on his first robbery alongside his associates, Salvatore "Sal" Naturile and Stevie. However, the heist quickly spirals into chaos when Stevie loses his nerve and makes a hasty escape. To make matters worse, Sonny discovers that they have arrived after the bank's daily cash collection, finding only $1,100.
In a desperate move, Sonny seizes the bank's traveler's checks and disposes of the register by burning it in a trash can. The resulting smoke raises alarms outside, leading to the building being surrounded by the police. Faced with overwhelming pressure, the two remaining robbers decide to take the bank employees hostage.
Detective Sergeant Eugene Moretti initiates contact with the bank, where Sonny attempts to bluff his way out by claiming he is prepared to harm the hostages if necessary. Sal, played by John Cazale, supports Sonny’s determination, asserting he is ready to take drastic measures. As tensions rise, a security guard suffers an asthma attack, prompting Sonny to release him in a gesture meant to signal goodwill. Moretti convinces Sonny to step out for a conversation, leading Sonny to shout, > "Attica! Attica!" in a bid to draw attention reminiscent of the recent Attica Prison riot. This act of defiance garners cheers from the crowd outside.
Sonny’s demands escalate; he insists on a vehicle to escape alongside Sal and also requests pizzas for the hostages and the presence of his wife at the bank. The situation takes another twist when Leon Shermer, Sonny's partner, arrives with revelations about their motives; the robbery was financially driven by the need to fund Leon's sex reassignment surgery. This moment also brings to light Sonny's complex familial situation, as we learn he has children with his estranged wife, Angie.
As night falls, the bank descends into darkness as FBI Agent Sheldon takes control of the scene, denying Sonny any further concessions. When the bank manager, Mulvaney, suffers a diabetic crisis, the FBI allows a doctor to enter, balancing urgency with the demands of the standoff. A poignant moment occurs when Leon, who had previously attempted suicide and was hospitalized, declines Sonny's invitation to escape with him and Sal, insisting that Sonny is solely responsible for the robbery.
Sonny shows signs of compassion by agreeing to let Mulvaney exit, but the manager refuses to abandon his staff. As negotiations unfold, Sonny's mother attempts to persuade him to surrender, but he remains resolute. Inside, Sonny dictates his will to one hostage, allocating his life insurance money to Angie and ensuring Leon gets the surgery.
Upon the arrival of a requested limousine, tension heightens as Sonny meticulously checks for concealed weapons before selecting Agent Murphy to drive them to Kennedy Airport. The stakes are palpable as they wait for the plane to be ready for departure. Sal, while nervous, receives a token of good luck from a released hostage, her rosary beads.
Meanwhile, Murphy repeatedly urges Sal to keep his gun pointed away from his own body. As they prepare for takeoff, the situation takes a fatal turn: Sal's misplaced gun leads to chaos as agents apprehend Sonny, leaving him to witness the tragic end of his plan play out violently.
In the film's conclusion, Sonny watches as Sal's lifeless body is removed from the car. The screen reveals text detailing the aftermath—Sonny is sentenced to twenty years in prison, while Angie and the children struggle with welfare dependency, highlighting the personal costs of their desperate choices. Leon’s fate also adds a layer of unexpected complexity, as it’s revealed she had transitioned and was living in New York City.
