Felony

Felony

Year: 2014

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Saville

Thriller

A respected police officer finds his life and career thrown into turmoil after a fatal car accident reveals a hidden secret. Two determined detectives launch an investigation, uncovering a complex network of lies and deceit. As they delve deeper into the incident, the officer's carefully constructed world begins to crumble, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and fight to protect his reputation.

Felony (2014) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Felony (2014) 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 a city where the line between duty and desire is perpetually blurred, the police department operates under the weight of its own reputation. The atmosphere is tense, marked by a blend of procedural rigor and the quiet desperation of those who keep the streets orderly while navigating personal doubts. Every call, every report, feels like a small test of integrity, and the shadows cast by the force’s public image hide the complexities of the lives within its walls.

Malcolm “Mal” Toohey stands out as a seasoned officer whose steady ascent through the ranks has earned him both respect and a fragile sense of invincibility. He lives a carefully curated life, supported by his family and bolstered by a reputation built on years of disciplined service. Yet an unforeseen incident threatens to expose a hidden truth that could dismantle the foundation he has worked so hard to construct, forcing him to weigh the cost of concealment against the price of honesty.

Enter the duo tasked with unraveling the fallout: Jim Melic, an earnest young detective whose idealism clashes with the street‑wise cynicism of his partner Carl Summer. Together they embody contrasting approaches to law enforcement—one driven by a hopeful belief in justice, the other by a seasoned skepticism of the system’s limits. Their investigation becomes a meticulous excavation of lies, each discovery pulling the department’s polished veneer further from its core.

As the inquiry deepens, personal relationships and professional loyalties are strained, and the officers find themselves navigating a maze of moral ambiguity. The film’s tone remains taut and reflective, inviting viewers to ponder how far someone will go to protect a hard‑won reputation when the very truth they’ve hidden begins to surface.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 13:25

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Ethical police thrillers with moral collapse like in Felony

Thrillers where a single lie forces a good cop to confront his own corruption.If you liked the tense, internal conflict of Felony, you'll find similar movies here. These stories explore police corruption and moral compromise, featuring steady-paced investigations and heavy emotional weight. They are for viewers who enjoy character-driven thrillers about the consequences of a single bad decision.

morally conflictedtenseanxioussomberclaustrophobicguilt-ridden

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a respected professional, often in law enforcement, who makes a catastrophic error in judgment. The plot revolves around their attempts to conceal the truth, the mounting psychological pressure, and the gradual exposure of their lies, leading to a personal and professional downfall.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared exploration of guilt, institutional pressure, and the slow-motion collapse of a principled individual. They share a dark tone, steady pacing that builds tension, and a heavy emotional focus on the cost of moral compromise.

Movies about a lie destroying a life like Felony

Character studies where a secret deed initiates a psychological and social disintegration.Fans of Felony seeking similar narratives will find movies here about a single event causing a life to unravel. These dramas feature high tension, a somber mood, and a bittersweet resolution. They are intense character studies about guilt, consequences, and the heavy burden of a secret.

anxioussombermelancholicclaustrophobicguilt and confessioncareer downfall

Narrative Summary

The defining pattern is a 'butterfly effect' narrative triggered by one concealed event. The story meticulously documents the protagonist's increasing isolation and paranoia as the lie expands, threatening their career, family, and identity, often culminating in a bittersweet or bleak resolution that offers catharsis at a great cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their core premise: a secret that metastasizes and destroys. They share a high-intensity, claustrophobic vibe, a focus on heavy themes like grief and guilt, and a steady pacing that makes the protagonist's psychological disintegration feel inevitable and gripping.

Unlock the Full Story of Felony

Don't stop at just watching — explore Felony in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Felony is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Felony Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Felony, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Felony Summary

Felony Timeline

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Felony Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Felony

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Felony

More About Felony

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Discover movies like Felony that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.