Rampart

In 1999, we are introduced to Dave Brown, a Los Angeles police officer who has patrolled the Rampart division for 24 years. He imparts his views on law enforcement to his new partner, Jane, highlighting a morally ambiguous stance where he believes 'nothing is illegal' when it comes to doing his job.

During a drug-related investigation, Dave confronts a suspect at a pharmacy, isolating him to obtain information about a meth lab. When the suspect refuses to cooperate, Dave resorts to brutality, beating him to extract a confession, showcasing his ruthless approach to policing.

At home, we see glimpses of Dave's complicated family life. He lives with his ex-wives, Barbara and Catherine, and his two daughters, Helen and Margaret, highlighting a tumultuous but interconnected familial relationship filled with personal tensions.

Dave begins dating Sarah, a Black woman, showcasing his attempts at connection amid his chaotic life. Their time together is juxtaposed with Dave's inner struggles, including his battle against the changes in societal norms regarding smoking.

While on patrol, Dave's encounter with Shondell Parmallee escalates when Shondell crashes into his vehicle. After chasing and apprehending him, Dave brutally assaults Shondell, an act that is recorded and circulated widely, intensifying the ongoing Rampart Scandal.

Post-beating, Dave meets with Assistant District Attorney Joan Confrey to discuss the incident. He attempts to justify his violent tendencies by citing his PTSD from Vietnam, fighting to maintain his position despite the impending scrutiny on his actions.

After his encounter with Sarah, Dave meets Linda and despite initial suspicions, they end up having a sexual encounter. Even though he grapples with feelings of possessiveness, Dave continues to engage with her, illustrating his conflicted relationships.

Dave witnesses a robbery at a card game in Crystal Market and intervenes by shooting one of the robbers. This reckless act reinforces his combustive personality as he makes the scene even more chaotic by placing a gun in the dead man's hand and firing.

Dave faces pressure from his ex-wives, who want him out of their home as they try to sell it. This adds to his dilemma as he struggles to find stability and a place to belong while being asked to leave the only home he knows.

A series of interactions with 'General' lead Dave to consider how he can use connections to manipulate situations in his favor. He offers 'General' assistance, revealing his willingness to engage in morally gray engagements to keep his life under control.

In a tense restaurant encounter, Dave confronts Kyle Timkins, who accuses him of being a racist. This conversation reveals the inherent racial conflicts Dave faces in both his professional and personal life, despite his protestations.

Dave breaks into Linda's apartment to find her angry yet they end up having sex. This act emphasizes his volatility and desperation, as he increasingly seeks validation and connection through physical encounters, disregarding boundaries.

In the final encounter, tensions culminate with Dave pulling a gun on ex-cop Hartshorn during a meeting. The altercation turns physical, and as Hartshorn begs for aid following a grievous incident, Dave chooses to flee, solidifying his isolation.

In a moment of vulnerability, Dave records a confession, admitting to past crimes, including a murder he deemed justified. Though he seeks absolution, Kyle refuses to accept the tape due to the overwhelming evidence against Dave, further sealing his fate.

As the film nears its end, Dave stands alone, watching his family through a window. This moment underscores his profound sense of isolation and the consequences of his actions, as he grapples with the realities of his fractured relationships.