Once a Thief

The events take place in the mid-1960s, a period of urban growth and crime thrillers on the West Coast. It’s a contemporary setting, not historical past, reflecting the era’s mood and fashion in cars, clothes, and law enforcement attitudes. The story’s pace and style align with 1960s noir-tinged crime dramas.

The story unfolds in San Francisco, providing a dense urban stage for Eddie's attempt at normal life with his wife and daughter. The city’s mix of everyday life and seedy nightlife (like the sleazy nightclub Kristine works at) creates a backdrop for tension between domestic stability and crime. The setting emphasizes a West Coast metropolis where relationships and danger collide against a waterfront, busy streets, and close-knit communities.

⚖️ Justice

A man is framed for murder and must navigate a justice system that seems compromised. The detective’s obsession and Eddie’s refusal to confess highlight how truth and punishment can become entangled. The resolution hinges on whether truth, rather than punishment, can prevail.

🤝 Loyalty

The film centers on loyalties within a criminal family and their associates. Walter pushes Eddie toward one last job, testing trust as betrayals erupt within the crew. Eddie’s choices are tempered by his concern for family safety and the price of staying loyal.

👪 Family

Family life anchors Eddie’s motivations and serves as the emotional core of the drama. Kristine’s devotion and the threat to their daughter force Eddie into dangerous decisions. The tension between protecting family and the lure of a final score drives the narrative.