As the chaotic year of 1980 unfolds, Harry James Barber confronts the truth in a heartfelt confession to his girlfriend, Molly Murphy. Their relationship has become strained ever since she uncovered the secrets of his past, leading to a distance that neither of them wished to maintain. The burden of guilt weighs heavily on Harry, and it is clear that their love story is now intertwined with the serious repercussions of his prior actions.
A flashback to 1972 reveals young Harry, an enthusiastic admirer of the legendary Steve McQueen, living next to a revamped theatre in Pennsylvania. Here, he forges an alliance with the crafty Enzo Rotella to embark on an audacious scheme: to rob a California bank believed to house a secret slush fund for former President Richard Nixon. Alongside them are Paul Callahan, Raymond Darrow, and Harry's brother Tommy Barber, a seasoned Vietnam veteran, all prepared for what would become a catastrophic venture.
Upon reaching California, the crew settles into a rented vacation home just a stone's throw from their intended target. It’s here that Harry meets the widow Molly Murphy, who is grappling with the tragic loss of her husband in a car accident. Though sparks fly and their romance blooms under the enchanting evening glow, Harry feels compelled to keep his ulterior motives cloaked in secrecy.
One fateful night, the gang manages to disable the bank's alarm system and gains entry to the vault by blasting a hole in the roof with dynamite. Over three harrowing nights, they successfully pilfer roughly $9 million—a jaw-dropping sum that ultimately seals their destinies. However, Harry only receives a paltry share of $10,000, as the group fractures and retreats into their own lives, leaving him to grapple with the aftermath of their reckless choices.
As the dust settles on their disastrous heist, FBI agents Howard Lambert and Sharon Price launch a thorough investigation aimed at bringing the criminals to justice. Their pursuit uncovers a vital connection between the crime scene and the vacation house where the gang resided. Carelessly left fingerprints on dirty dishes and utensils become the linchpin in identifying the perpetrators. One by one, the members of the gang are apprehended; however, Harry manages to slip through the cracks and vanishes.
Fast-forwarding to 1980, Harry resolves that the time has come to face his reckoning. With a heavy heart, he confides in Molly about his intentions, revealing that he had contacted her father, the sheriff, to arrange for his own arrest. As they leave the diner, Howard Lambert and local law enforcement close in, marking the end of Harry's evasion from justice. With a poignant glance towards Molly, he is taken away, leaving behind a trail of emotions.
In a closing epilogue, it is revealed that Harry received a prison sentence of seven years, but thanks to a compassionate letter signed by the townspeople, acknowledging his good character under the sheriff’s approval, his time was reduced to three years.
