Con man Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) finds himself in a bar in the heart of New York City, where he becomes intrigued by a stunning blonde woman named Jess (Margot Robbie). After a tense encounter with her inebriated companion, Jess joins Nicky at his table. Their chemistry quickly ignites as they retreat to her hotel room, where their flirtation is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of her supposed husband, wielding a gun. In a moment of quick thinking, Nicky fabricates a story about having cancer to dissuade the man from violence, leading to Jess realizing she's been caught in another layer of deception.
Their paths cross again a few nights later when Jess, having researched Nicky's infamous reputation, seeks him out to learn his tricks of the trade. Intrigued by her tenacity, Nicky shares a dangerous family anecdote about a con gone wrong, which involved his father and grandfather. He teaches her the intricate art of conning, emphasizing that it's all about maintaining focus.
As Nicky and his team head to New Orleans for Super Bowl week, Jess joins them to hone her skills. Together, they navigate crowded streets, practicing the art of deception by snatching valuables from unsuspecting victims. Despite revealing Nicky's gambling tendencies, the duo grows closer both personally and professionally. They share a passionate night, where Jess curiously inquires about his nickname, "Mellow," a moniker given by his father due to his supposed softness. Nicky, however, believes that emotions have no place in their dangerous game.
With an astonishing $1.2 million earned, they celebrate their success before heading to the football game. Amid light-hearted bets between them, Nicky faces a relentless gambler named Mr. Liuyan (B.D. Wong), leading to high-stakes wagers that jeopardize their fortune. After a series of escalating bets, he places everything on a seemingly impossible high card draw. Ultimately, Jess's keen observation skill brings them victory, much to everyone's shock.
However, the joy is short-lived as Nicky discreetly orchestrates the entire betting scheme, using Jess to manipulate circumstances in their favor. He leaves Jess behind at the airport with her winnings, parting ways without explanation and leaving her reeling.
Fast forward three years to Buenos Aires, where Nicky is entangled with billionaire race car owner Rafael Garriga (Rodrigo Santoro). Their plot involves selling a fake fuel burn algorithm to a rival team owner, while Nicky tries to reconnect with Jess, who makes a stunning return into his life. Their chemistry reignites, leading to intimate moments, but Nicky grapples with his deceptive past.
In a twist of fate, Nicky finds himself selling Garriga's real algorithm to competitors for a staggering amount, all while planning a getaway with Jess. Before they can escape, violence ensues, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Nicky gets shot, only to reveal a hidden family secret involving Owens (Gerald McRaney), who is uncovered as Nicky's father.
In a race against time, they head to the hospital, where Jess stands by Nicky's side, wearing Garriga's watch—a symbol of their intertwined fates in a world where love and deception collide.
