Shaft

In 1989, John Shaft II, along with his wife Maya and their infant son JJ, faces a life-threatening situation as they narrowly escape an assassination attempt orchestrated by the ruthless drug lord Pierro 'Gordito' Carrera. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of their dangerous journey, prompting Maya to reconsider their future as a family.

Fearing for their safety due to Shaft II's dangerous lifestyle, Maya makes the heartbreaking decision to leave him. She chooses to raise JJ on her own, deciding to prioritize their safety over their life together, which deeply impacts the family dynamic for years to come.

Fast forward 25 years, and JJ has grown into a skilled FBI agent and cybersecurity expert after earning his degree from MIT. His successful career, however, is tested when he receives the news of his childhood friend Karim's untimely death, ruled as a heroin overdose.

Disturbed by the idea that Karim's death may not have been accidental, JJ begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding his friend's demise. He confronts Manuel, a local drug dealer linked to Karim's death, but is violently thrown out—this only strengthens his determination to uncover the truth.

While recovering from an injury at the hospital, JJ learns from Sasha that Karim's toxicology report suggests foul play due to the heroin levels present. This revelation convinces JJ that he must get to the bottom of his friend's death and seeks help from his estranged father, Shaft II.

Shaft II agrees to help JJ with the investigation, motivated by the potential leads pointing to Gordito's involvement. Their partnership combines Shaft II's old-school instincts with JJ's modern investigative approach, setting the stage for a compelling dynamic as they delve deeper into the case.

The investigation brings them to 'Brothers Watching Brothers,' a rehabilitation clinic connected to Karim. Here, they discover that Karim disillusioned with rehab, had turned to a mosque, which has caught the FBI's attention due to alleged ties to terrorism, complicating their inquiry.

As they navigate the investigation, Shaft II playfully nudges JJ towards a date with Sasha, introducing an element of romance amidst the chaos. This burgeoning connection adds tension and lightens the mood as they balance personal feelings with the gravity of their mission.

The investigation is met with escalating threats, including multiple assassination attempts orchestrated by Bennie Rodriguez, the mosque’s benefactor. In a drastic effort to protect JJ, Shaft II makes the tough choice to exclude him from the investigation temporarily, straining their relationship.

JJ confronts the FBI's handling of their findings, which leads to accusations of Islamophobia following his dismissal. This public outcry raises tensions and pushes JJ to question Shaft II's motives, leading to conflict and a deeper rift between father and son.

When JJ and Sasha race against time to decipher the connection between the mosque and Karim's death, they uncover that the clinic is a cover for a drug trafficking operation using military-grade vehicles. This revelation exposes the dangerous underbelly of the operation, which ultimately led to Karim's downfall.

As tensions reach a boiling point, JJ finds himself captured by smugglers tied to the drug operation. Meanwhile, Sasha faces her own impending danger, amplifying the stakes as they must both rely on their resources and connections to escape.

In an unexpected turn of events, Shaft II, alongside JJ's grandfather John Shaft Sr., launches a rescue mission to save JJ and Sasha. Their combined firepower leads to an all-out assault on Gordito’s penthouse, showcasing the legacy of the Shaft family in the domain of private investigations.

In a gripping showdown, Shaft II takes a bullet meant for JJ during the climax against Gordito. This sacrificial act of bravery ensures Gordito's defeat, but not without consequences that haunt the family as they navigate the aftermath of their thrilling escape.

Following the dramatic events, Shaft II recuperates in the hospital as JJ and Sasha’s relationship blossoms into something deeper. In the end, JJ decides to reject his job offer back at the FBI, opting instead to join his father and grandfather in their private investigation business, reclaiming his family's legacy.