Hell or High Water

Toby Howard and his brother Tanner execute their first bank heist at the Texas Midlands Bank in Archer City. They catch the bank's teller, Elsie, off guard as she opens the doors, setting the tone for their daring and calculated crime spree.

The brothers successfully rob the bank and wait for the manager, Mr. Clauson, to arrive with the keys to the safe. They carefully plan their escape, ensuring they only take small bills to avoid detection and tracking.

The next stop for Toby and Tanner is the Olney branch of Texas Midlands Bank. In a tense encounter, Tanner brandishes a firearm while demanding cash from the teller, further escalating their criminal activities.

As the heists continue, tensions rise between Toby and Tanner. Toby advocates for careful planning while Tanner's reckless instincts threaten to unravel their operation, showcasing their contrasting approaches to crime.

After successfully completing their robberies, the brothers decide to launder their stolen money at an Indian casino in Oklahoma. This move reflects their plans to secure their financial future while revealing their different approaches to enjoying their ill-gotten gains.

The brothers' story is deepened by their tragic backstory, highlighting their struggles with family and loss. Tanner's past of violence and Toby's burdens of debt and divorce surface, giving insight into their motives behind the heists.

With their mother recently deceased and the threat of foreclosure looming, Toby feels a renewed urgency to secure their ranch. He is driven by the need to reclaim the family legacy and protect his estranged sons' future from financial ruin.

Determined to save their ranch, Toby and Tanner plan one last massive robbery that requires $43,000 to clear the reverse mortgage held by Texas Midlands Bank. The stakes have never been higher as they move forward with their risky plan.

During their final heist, the brothers encounter an unexpected number of patrons at the bank, leading to a chaotic and violent situation. This moment not only tests their resolve but also results in tragic repercussions.

As chaos breaks out, Tanner makes the ultimate sacrifice, putting Toby's safety above his own in their flee from the bank. This moment marks a poignant climax in their journey, highlighting the themes of brotherhood and selflessness.

Following the robbery, Toby manages to clean the stolen money and avert foreclosure on their ranch. While he has achieved his immediate goal, the moral weight of his actions begins to settle in, leaving him questioning the cost of his decisions.

Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton begins piecing together the brothers' crimes but soon discovers Toby's clean record and lack of motive for the heists. This insight complicates the case, showcasing the nuances in Toby's character.

Hamilton eventually confronts Toby at his ranch, leading to a deep conversation that brushes on the motives behind his actions. This encounter serves as a reflective moment for Toby about sacrifice, family legacy, and the lengths he would go for his loved ones.

The film culminates with Toby dealing with the emotional aftermath of his brother's sacrifice and the decisions made. The unresolved complexities of brotherhood and the pursuit of redemption linger in the air, shaping his future.