Lying and Stealing (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Ivan's Art Theft Initiation

Ivan Warding, an adept thief, begins his career specializing in art heists in Los Angeles. His method involves infiltrating elite parties and stealthily replacing priceless artworks with replicas, showcasing his skill and cunning.

Where

Los Angeles

Pressure from Dimitri

Ivan finds himself under the thumb of crime boss Dimitri Maropakis, who pressures him to continue his illegal activities. Dimitri's influence stems from a debt owed by Ivan's father, setting a dark tone for Ivan's life choices.

Ray's Struggles

Ivan's relationship with his brother Ray is fraught with tension, primarily due to Ray's drug addiction. Following his troubling behavior, Ray faces repercussions leading to his rehabilitation efforts and strained family ties.

Quest to Repay Dimitri

To clear his family's debts to Dimitri, Ivan resorts to the profits from his art heists. Despite his determination, the ambiguous nature of the total debt leaves him anxious and uncertain about his future.

The High-Stakes Theft

Dimitri assigns Ivan a perilous mission to steal a Nazi self-portrait from veteran John Wolf. Armed with the knowledge of Wolf's military prowess as a sharpshooter, Ivan must navigate a risky operation to achieve his goal.

Where

Wolf's mansion

Encounter with Elyse

Elyse Tibaldi, an actress entangled in her own web of deceit, becomes a crucial character in the plot. After a series of unfortunate events, including stealing from a producer, she finds herself indebted and shouldering significant financial burdens.

Successful Heist

In a stunning display of skill, Ivan successfully steals the portrait from John Wolf without drawing attention. He cleverly uses sedatives on Wolf's guard dogs, demonstrating his proficiency in planning and execution of heists.

Where

Wolf's mansion

Detective on His Trail

Ivan's criminal activities inevitably attract unwanted attention, particularly from Detective Lyman Wilkers. Complaints from previous victims lead to an investigation that threatens to unravel Ivan's careful schemes.

Collaboration with Elyse

As tension mounts, Ivan's path converges with Elyse's when he learns about her financial troubles. A confrontational meeting with Dimitri leads Ivan to enlist Elyse's assistance, paving the way for their partnership.

Money Stash Heist

Dimitri's henchmen attempt to locate and steal Ivan's hidden stash of cash. Anticipating their move, Ivan cleverly relocates his money just in time, showcasing his resourcefulness in a precarious situation.

Violent Encounter

In a gripping confrontation, Ivan finds himself face-to-face with one of Dimitri's henchmen. Utilizing his wit and combat skills, Ivan overcomes the henchman, reinforcing his determination to break free from Dimitri's grasp.

Elyse's Dangerous Night

Elyse picks up Dimitri for a night out, unwittingly leading him into peril. A recognition of Eric, Dimitri’s brother, leads to a heated confrontation that thrusts Elyse into a dangerous situation.

Where

Los Angeles

Dimitri's Downfall

As tensions peak, Ivan intervenes just in time to save Elyse. Dimitri suffers a fatal drug overdose after being poisoned by Eric, resulting in a shocking twist in the power dynamics among the characters.

Restoring Order

Following the chaos of Dimitri's death, Ivan takes steps to restore balance to their lives. He returns the stolen art pieces, effectively clearing Elyse's debts and freeing them from Dimitri's control.

A New Beginning

With their lives turned upside down, Ivan, Elyse, and Eric form an exhilarating new partnership. Together, they embark on a series of art heists, signaling the start of a thrilling adventure in the world of theft.