Shaft

Shaft

Year: 2019

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Tim Story

ActionComedyCrime

A cyber security expert, JJ, seeks help from his father, the iconic John Shaft, when his best friend dies under mysterious circumstances. Navigating Harlem’s criminal landscape together, JJ blends his technological skills with his father’s streetwise instincts. They must uncover the truth behind the death, confronting a personal and professional vendetta along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Shaft yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Shaft (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shaft (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1989, 2014

The movie spans from 1989, during a time marked by rising crime rates and drug-related issues, to 2014, where advancements in technology have significantly influenced crime-fighting methodologies. These contrasting eras highlight the evolution of societal challenges and the impact on personal lives.

Location

Harlem

Harlem is a vibrant neighborhood in New York City known for its rich cultural history, particularly in African American arts and activism. This area serves as a backdrop for the film's exploration of crime and familial ties, showcasing a community filled with both opportunity and danger.

🏙️ Urban 🌇 City Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Main Characters – Shaft (2019)

Meet the key characters of Shaft (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson)

John Shaft II is a gritty private investigator with a wealth of experience navigating crime-filled streets. He embodies a blend of old-school methods and modern challenges, showcasing resilience and adaptability in both his personal and professional life.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigator 💪 Resilient 🏆 Hero

Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall)

Maya is a strong, independent woman who chooses to prioritize her son's safety over her marriage. Her character represents the struggles of a mother balancing love, fear, and the harsh realities of her family's dangers.

👩‍👦 Protective 💔 Sacrificial 🏡 Family

JJ Shaft (Jessie Usher)

JJ Shaft is an ambitious FBI agent determined to uncover the truth behind his friend’s death. Balancing his family's legacy with his modern sensibilities, he evolves throughout the story, confronting challenges to both find justice and understand his lineage.

👨‍💼 Investigator 🔍 Determined 💡 Intelligent

Sasha Arias (Alexandra Shipp)

Sasha is JJ's childhood crush and a supportive figure during his investigation. She embodies loyalty and bravery, helping JJ as he navigates dangerous territory, adding a layer of romantic tension to the storyline.

❤️ Supportive 🔥 Brave 💫 Romantic

Pierro 'Gordito' Carrera (Isaach De Bankolé)

Gordito is the ruthless drug lord whose actions set the plot in motion. He represents the dark underbelly of crime that the protagonists must confront, embodying danger, manipulation, and the consequences of violence.

🚨 Villain 💀 Ruthless 🔥 Dangerous

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Major Themes – Shaft (2019)

Explore the central themes of Shaft (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigation

The central theme revolves around investigation, as JJ delves into the circumstances surrounding his friend's death. This theme explores not only the pursuit of justice but also the complexities of familial relationships intertwined with the investigative process.

💔 Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, particularly the strained relationships between JJ and his father, Shaft II, as well as the rekindled connection with his mother. The film examines how love and protection can lead to conflict and reconciliation.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a recurring theme as the characters confront various moral ambiguities in their quest to uncover the truth. The fight against drug trafficking and the fight for personal redemption highlight the characters' struggles for justice in unjust circumstances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:12

Unlock the Full Story of Shaft

Don't stop at just watching — explore Shaft 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 Shaft is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Shaft Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Shaft, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Shaft Summary

Shaft Timeline

Track the full timeline of Shaft with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Shaft Timeline

More About Shaft

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Shaft: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Shaft

Similar Movies to Shaft

Discover movies like Shaft that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.