Year: 2017
Runtime: 88 min
Language: French
In a remote desert town, a hardened 90-year-old man named Lucky, who doesn's believe in anything, embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Having lived a long life and outlived his friends, he finds himself confronting the big questions. Through a series of unusual encounters with a diverse cast of characters, Lucky is challenged to examine his beliefs and consider the possibility of something more.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Lucky (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Lucky chronicles the life of a 90-year-old man grappling with the inevitability of aging. The film beautifully portrays his journey towards acceptance of his own mortality, as he seeks deeper meaning in life.
It begins with Lucky waking up in his modest desert home in Piru, California, where he starts his day with a leisurely smoke and some yoga exercises. His refrigerator holds little more than a glass of cold milk, symbolizing his simple lifestyle. After finishing his morning routine, he heads over to his favorite diner for coffee, where he shares a friendly rapport with the owner, Joe, and the staff. Joe, ever the caring friend, urges him to quit smoking for his health. Lucky retorts, confidently asserting that if smoking could kill him, he would have been gone long ago. After engaging in his beloved crossword puzzle, Lucky makes his way to a local market, where he cheekily refers to a boy, Juan, as “Juan Wayne,” noting the boy’s approaching tenth birthday.
As the sun sets, Lucky finds himself at a bar, enjoying his favorite Bloody Marys among the locals. One regular, named Howard (played by David Lynch), shares his woes over a lost tortoise that has outlived two wives. The next morning, a sudden incident leaves Lucky lightheaded, prompting a visit to Dr. Christian Kneedler (Ed Begley Jr.). The doctor assures him of his good health, referring to him as a “wonder of medical science,” a testament to his resilience. A poignant moment occurs as he learns about the death of the doctor’s father, hinting at their long-standing acquaintance.
At the diner, the mood shifts when Lucky expresses his feeling of burdening his friends after his fall by stating, > “What’s the fucking point?” Following this, he opens up to a friend over the phone about a childhood regret involving a mockingbird, illustrating the weight of his past memories.
Later, he listens to Paulie (James Darren) recount his marriage story, leading Lucky to reflect on his own life—void of lasting relationships or marriage. A somewhat chaotic moment arises when he witnesses Howard discussing his will with Bobby Lawrence (Ron Livingston), and he interjects, insisting that loneliness is a universal fate.
Days pass, and Loretta (Yvonne Huff), a diner staff member, checks on Lucky, prompting them to reminisce about his military service while indulging in some light-hearted moments, including watching Liberace performances. During a less-than-ordinary day in the diner, Lucky confides in Bobby about his recent fall, sparking a conversation about being prepared for life’s unpredictable turns.
In search of companionship, Lucky visits a pet store but opts for a pack of crickets instead of adopting a small animal. At a diner the following morning, he strikes up a conversation with Fred, a fellow veteran who shares a haunting experience from World War II, highlighting a moment of unexpected joy amid chaos—a Buddhist girl smiling as fate loomed.
As Lucky attends Bibi’s son Juan’s birthday celebration, he finds warmth in the gathering and sings a heartfelt song, displaying a side of him that embraces connection. His usual evening at the bar leads to deeper discussions about life’s transient nature. While enjoying a cigarette against Elaine’s wishes (played by Beth Grant), he philosophically remarks that all things must eventually end, which uplifts the atmosphere around him.
The following morning sees Lucky reestablish his routine, this time engaging in cleaning his house for the first time in months. During his daily walk, he encounters a significant cactus—symbolic of endurance—before breaking the fourth wall with a direct smile into the camera. In a concluding twist of fate, Lucky’s solitary journey is graced by a tortoise crossing his path, potentially a nod to Howard’s beloved pet, representing life’s circle and its delicate continuance in the vast desert.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:26
Still wondering what the ending of Lucky (2017) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
Logan Lucky concludes with the main characters successfully carrying out their elaborate heist, celebrating at the Duck Tape bar, seemingly free from legal consequences. However, just before the credits roll, a subtle yet important detail hints at unresolved issues. Clyde is approached by a woman who turns out to be FBI Agent Sarah Grayson, implying that the investigation into the robbery isn’t truly over. Grayson’s presence suggests she plans to continue her pursuit, possibly seeing through the Logan family’s supposed break from their long-standing “curse” of bad luck.
Interestingly, the film hints that the family’s luck might still be cursed, despite the crew’s confident celebrations. During the movie, Clyde discusses the “Logan Curse,” which he believes has haunted their family with relentless misfortune. But by the end, their success in pulling off the heist — and the fact that the FBI agent keeps digging — seems to imply that the curse persists, or at least that history might be repeating itself. The final scene leaves open the possibility that the Logans haven’t truly escaped their luck, as Agent Grayson remains on their trail, suggesting a potential sequel that could follow her continued investigation or another heist.
The film’s ending, while seemingly wrapping things up, delivers a sense of lingering uncertainty. It confirms that the Logans’ apparent victory might be temporary, with the shadow of trouble still looming. Since the story closes with the FBI agent’s pursuit unresolved, it leaves the door open for future complications, hinting that the curse might still be active and that the family’s luck may not be as broken as they hope. Ultimately, the story ends with a balance between their triumphant moment and the ominous reminder that the past might still catch up with them.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58
Don't stop at just watching — explore Lucky in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lucky is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Lucky with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Lucky. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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