Shadowbox

Mikey and his stepmother Rose are introduced as both contract killers and lovers. Despite Rose suffering from cancer, they continue their dangerous line of work, highlighting their intense and risky lifestyle. Their bond is central to the story from the beginning.

Organized crime kingpin Clayton suspects his pregnant wife Vicki of being unfaithful. He hires Mikey and Rose to eliminate her, setting the stage for their dangerous assignment. Their infiltration into Clayton's mansion marks the start of the conflict.

As Rose enters Vicki's bedroom to execute her, Vicki's water breaks and she goes into labor unexpectedly. Rose uses her medical skills to deliver the baby, showcasing a rare act of compassion amidst their violent work.

Rose successfully delivers Vicki’s baby boy, naming him Anthony. She then persuades Mikey to help her move Vicki and the newborn to a safer location, away from their deadly assignment, in a local motel.

Mikey calls Dr. Don, Clayton's private doctor, at Rose's request. Dr. Don arrives with his nurse, Precious, and provides necessary medical aid to Vicki and her newborn, ensuring their immediate safety and health.

Despite objections, Rose insists they move Vicki and Anthony to a secure location. The group travels to Philadelphia, seeking safety and to avoid Clayton's suspicion, moving further away from danger.

Neisha arrives at Clayton's mansion demanding to know the location of Vicki. Fearing she knows too much, Clayton becomes nervous, setting a dangerous tone and escalating the threat against Vicki.

Clayton fears for his secrets and pays Mikey to kill Neisha. Mikey carries out the order by poisoning her, demonstrating the brutal reality of their contract killing lifestyle and escalating the violence.

The group moves Vicki and her son to a secluded house in upstate Pennsylvania. Mikey continues working on contract killings alone since Rose has become too ill from cancer, illustrating their ongoing struggle with mortality.

At Anthony’s first birthday, Rose chooses to end her suffering from cancer by having Mikey shoot her during an intimate moment. Before dying, she makes Mikey promise to protect Vicki and her son, emphasizing her final act of care.

Mikey, Vicki, and Anthony live peacefully for seven years after Rose’s death. Their quiet life contrasts with their violent past, but Mikey remains emotionally attached to Anthony and protective of their safety.

Precious uncovers Dr. Don performing oral sex on a patient, feeling betrayed and hurt. Her discovery hints at the growing tensions and betrayals within the criminal and medical networks they are involved with.

Clayton finds out from Precious that Vicki and her son are still alive. He murders Precious publicly and shoots Dr. Don, escalating his wrath and setting the stage for final revenge.

Deciding to leave the life of contract killing behind, Mikey plans one last hit. However, he discovers a photo of himself and Vicki leaving their house, indicating they've been compromised.

Mikey rushes home to save Vicki and Anthony when Clayton captures them. He fights Clayton and his men, ultimately killing Clayton when Anthony shoots Clayton in the back, sealing their escape and ending the cycle of violence.