Live by Night

Live by Night

Year: 2016

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

DramaCrime

During the 1920s Prohibition era, Joe Coughlin abandons his former life as the son of a Boston police chief to pursue a career in organized crime. Drawn to the allure of power and wealth, he becomes involved in bootlegging, but a daring theft from a powerful mob boss triggers a series of violent events. Joe’s choices lead him from Boston’s criminal landscape to the vibrant and dangerous rum-running scene in Tampa, Florida, where he confronts betrayal and seeks retribution.

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Timeline – Live by Night (2016)

Trace every key event in Live by Night (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Joe Coughlin's Reflections

In the 1920s, Joe Coughlin reflects on his harrowing experiences from World War I in France, where he witnessed many brave soldiers perish. These memories prompt him to question the morals he once held dear, setting the stage for his later choices in life.

1910s France
2

Return to Boston

After the war, Joe returns to Boston with a desire to lead a virtuous life. However, fate intervenes, leading him down a darker path filled with crime and deception.

Boston
3

The Robbery

Joe orchestrates a bold robbery of a gangster, while staging the abduction of Emma Gould. Unbeknownst to everyone, Emma is actually Joe's inside informant, and their complicated relationship begins to unfold.

Boston
4

Dinner with Disapproval

During a tense dinner, Joe introduces Emma to his father, Thomas Coughlin, a police captain. Thomas's palpable disapproval of Emma leads to discomfort, showing the familial tensions affecting Joe's life choices.

Coughlin Family Home
5

Alliance with Maso Pescatore

After becoming romantically involved with Emma, Joe aligns himself with Maso Pescatore, an Italian mobster. Maso suggests a drastic measure: killing Albert White to protect Joe's secret affair, placing Joe at a crossroads.

Boston
6

Bank Heist Chaos

Joe and his partner Dion Bartolo carry out a bank heist that quickly spirals into chaos. The robbery incites a high-speed chase with the police, leading to a severe crash that leaves Joe temporarily unconscious.

Boston
7

Confrontation and Arrest

Upon regaining consciousness, Joe witnesses a cop car engulfed in flames and manages to escape. However, when discovering Emma's betrayal, a brutal confrontation ensues with Albert's thugs, leading to Joe's arrest.

Boston
8

Sentenced to Three Years

With a shrewd deal from his father, Joe receives a reduced sentence of three years for his crimes. He is forced to grapple with the loss of his father while he is incarcerated.

Prison
9

New Beginnings in Ybor City

After his release, Joe relocates to Ybor City, Florida, to manage Maso's rum operation. Here, he encounters Graciella, the sister of a Cuban businessman, and his feelings for her begin to blossom amidst a growing gang war.

Ybor City
10

Gang War Escalation

As Joe seeks retribution against Albert’s men, the gang war intensifies, complicating his new life. He forms deeper connections in the underworld, particularly with Chief Irving Figgis, and begins plotting a new venture.

Ybor City
11

KKK Threats

The KKK emerge as a new threat to Joe's thriving enterprises, employing intimidation tactics to undermine his efforts. Joe's attempts to negotiate peace ultimately fail, resulting in tragic violence.

Ybor City
12

Murder and Consequences

The murder of a KKK leader by Dion escalates the fallout, complicating Joe's personal and professional life. This incident forces Joe to confront his past while grappling with the dangers in his current world.

Ybor City
13

Heartbreaking Reunion

In a shocking twist, Joe finds out that his former love, Emma, is still alive. However, her admission that she never loved him leaves Joe heartbroken and questioning his past decisions.

Miami
14

Tragedy Strikes in Miami

As Joe and Graciella start a new life in Miami, tragedy strikes when Irving, now driven by grief, seeks revenge on Joe. The resulting confrontation leads to a heartbreaking loss, leaving Joe to raise their son alone.

Miami
15

Reflections on a Tumultuous Journey

Left to raise his son Tomas, Joe reflects on his tumultuous journey filled with love, loss, and lessons learned. He vows to nurture his son in hopes of a brighter future while keeping the memory of those lost alive.

Miami

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:46

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Live by Night Summary

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Live by Night Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Live by Night

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Live by Night

More About Live by Night

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