Face

Face

Year: 1997

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Antonia Bird

CrimeThrillerDramaCrime drugs and gangstersHeists and thrilling action

Ray, an aging former socialist, turns to bank robbery after witnessing the collapse of socialism in 1980s Britain. He joins a crew of other washed‑up criminals and pulls off one job too many. The gang's loyalty crumbles as members betray each other, sparking a murderous flurry of recriminations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Face (1997)

Trace every key event in Face (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Plotting the £2 million heist

Five criminals—Ray, Dave, Stevie, Julian, and Jason—plan to steal at least £2 million. They modify a truck to use as a battering ram and target a London security depot. The crew weighs the risks against the potential payout as they finalize the plan.

Pre-heist London security depot
2

The break-in and the haul

The crew breaks into the depot and steals a large amount of cash before the police arrive. They soon realize the haul is far smaller than expected, setting a tense tone for the rest of the plan. The discovery sows distrust and fractures within the group.

During the heist London security depot
3

Julian's demand and punishment

Julian demands an extra share for expenses and refuses to be sidelined from the loot. He is beaten and placed in the boot of Ray's car to force compliance, showing how volatile the crew is. Eventually the others relent to avoid further trouble.

Immediately after the haul Ray's car
4

A bar break after the heist

With the score in hand, the group lounges at a bar with Jason's uncle Sonny and Connie, Ray's activist girlfriend. The social outing masks the growing distrust inside the crew as money tensions rise. The night hints at the cracks to come.

Post-heist London bar
5

Money kept safe with Linda and Bill

Ray and Stevie, who share a life with Connie, leave part of the loot with elderly couple Linda and Bill for safekeeping. The arrangement is meant to shield funds but opens a potential vulnerability. The safekeeping decision foreshadows future betrayals.

After the bar Linda and Bill's home
6

Dave's warning and the theft accusation

The next day, a bruised Dave warns Ray and Stevie that his money has vanished, apparently stolen by Julian. The accusation ramps up paranoia and motivates a renewed effort to recover the loot. Trust within the group continues to crumble.

Next day Ray and Stevie's home
7

Discovery of the murders

Ray, Dave, and Stevie visit Linda and Bill's home to search for the loot, only to find them murdered and the money gone. The brutal discovery devastates Ray and confirms that violence has overtaken the plan. The trio resolves to hunt down the killer.

Day after the bar Linda and Bill's residence
8

Sonny and Jason dead; a wider net

The trio traces the money to Sonny and breaks into his house, only to discover Jason dead with a head wound. The body count climbs and betrayal intensifies the crisis within the group. The search now points toward broader danger.

Evening Sonny's house
9

Police pursuit closes in

Unmarked officers close in, forcing the gang to flee through the city. Dave and Julian exchange fire as they attempt to escape with whatever cash remains. The clock ticks as law enforcement tightens around them.

Pursuit City streets near police
10

Escape to family and sanctuary

Ray flees to his mother and Connie, seeking safety and help. His mother provides money and her car, showing care despite disappointment in his career. Ray contemplates starting anew with Connie.

Following the escape Ray's mother's house
11

Chris the blackmailer exposed

In a bar exchange, Dave reveals that he is being blackmailed by his daughter's boyfriend, Chris, a corrupt police officer, to supply the money. The confession adds another layer to the crime behind the heist and ties the money to corrupt policing. It heightens the stakes for everyone involved.

Evening Bar
12

Attack on Chris and death of Dave

The group assaults Chris in his apartment to force him to reveal the money's location. Dave, fired up by cocaine visible on a tray, chokes Chris to death during the confrontation. The violence underscores the cost of their criminal ties.

Night Chris's apartment
13

Julian's betrayal at the police station

Stevie and Julian escort Sarah away while the others break into a local police station to recover the money. Julian then turns on Ray and Stevie, seizing all the cash for himself in a brutal betrayal. An alarm triggers a tense standoff with officers.

Night Local police station
14

Gas, capture, and escape

A gas bomb knocks Julian out amid the chaos of a police stand-off, allowing Ray and Stevie to escape. The stolen money remains with Julian for the moment, and sirens draw closer. The trio heads toward a roadside meeting point to mend their plans.

Post-betrayal Police station vicinity
15

A fresh start at the M1

Ray, Stevie, and Connie reunite at the M1 service station, where Connie picks them up and they drive off to begin life anew. The ending implies a tentative escape from their criminal past, though the future is uncertain. The film closes on the prospect of a new start.

Ending M1 service station

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:27

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