Going in Style

Joe, Al, and Willie live together in a cramped apartment in Astoria, Queens. Their days are monotonous, revolving around social security checks, park bench sitting, and feeding pigeons.

Bored with their routine, Joe proposes a daring plan to the group—robbing a bank. He argues that if they get caught, they would enjoy free room and board in prison, making it an enticing option.

The trio visits the bank to manage their social security checks, during which Joe plants the idea of a bank heist. While Al finds the thought exciting, Willie expresses concerns about the plan.

As plans begin to materialize, Al borrows some pistols from his nephew Pete, who is dealing with financial struggles. Al feels justified in his actions, believing they could help Pete as well.

The next day, the trio heads to Manhattan to scout for a suitable bank, settling on the Union Marine Bank as their target. They enjoy hot dogs and soak in the excitement, planning to proceed with the heist soon.

On the day of the heist, Joe and Willie don disguises, while Al sneaks into Pete's basement for the guns. The trio takes a bus to Queens and then hails an unlicensed cab towards Manhattan.

Inside the bank, Al holds the security guard at gunpoint as Joe commands the teller to hand over cash. A warning shot from Joe adds urgency, and they swiftly collect the money before escaping outside.

Back at their apartment, the trio learns they’ve obtained over $35,000. However, tragedy strikes when Willie suffers a heart attack while sitting on their park bench, hearing news of their crime.

During Willie's memorial service, Joe and Al decide to give Pete $25,000 from their robbery proceeds disguised as life insurance. In return, they ask for $20 a week to support their living expenses.

After the funeral, Joe and Al impulsively fly to Las Vegas, purchasing tickets on a whim. They hit the craps tables, and to their surprise, they win $73,000 by the end of the night.

Realizing they could become targets if they keep their winnings, Joe insists they cash out and return to New York. They are overwhelmed with their fortune but also fearful of the consequences.

Exhausted from their thrilling escapade, Joe finds Al dead in bed when he wakes up. In despair, he takes the bag of money to Pete and confesses everything about the robbery and Al's death.

Joe's relief is short-lived as he is arrested by FBI agents while preparing for Al's funeral. During interrogation, he maintains silence about the amount of money and its location.

While in prison, Joe reflects on the circumstances that led him there and tells Pete to enjoy his inheritance. He feels content in prison, and believes Al and Willie would have wanted him to keep the money.

In a moment of clarity, Joe expresses his indifference toward his life sentence. As he is taken back to his cell, he flashes a sly grin, asserting that nothing could hold him for long.