Sinners and Saints

Sinners and Saints

Year: 2010

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Director: William Kaufman

CrimeThrillerActionCrime

In a law‑less, storm‑ravaged New Orleans, Detective Sean Riley wrestles with the death of his young son and his wife’s abandonment. Threatened with suspension, he teams with rookie homicide detective Will Ganz to investigate a string of brutal murders that have sparked a city‑wide gang war. The partnership soon uncovers a far more sinister conspiracy than they imagined.

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Timeline – Sinners and Saints (2010)

Trace every key event in Sinners and Saints (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Riley's personal tragedy

Detective Sean Riley is emotionally drained by the death of his young son and the dissolution of his marriage. The grief is intensified by the recent death of his partner, Det. Dave Besson, leaving him more isolated than ever. He clings to work as a way to steady himself as the city spirals around him.

Pre-investigation New Orleans
2

Burned victims spark a gang war

Riley is assigned to a string of murders where the victims have been burned, a brutal pattern that unsettles the city. The case grows more dangerous as the young brother of gangster Weddo becomes a casualty, inflaming a gang feud. The investigation hints at bigger interests and shadowy links behind the killings.

Early investigation New Orleans
3

Colin reappears with Spartan ties

Colin, a friend Riley lost contact with, explains they served in the military together and now work freelance for a private security company called Spartan. He offers information and a potential angle on who is pulling the strings behind the murders. Riley weighs the risk of getting drawn back into old loyalties.

Early Riley's neighborhood
4

A new partner joins the case

Riley is paired with Detective Will Ganz, a stable family man who balances duty with his personal life. Ganz brings a steadier approach to the investigation and becomes Riley's reluctant ally. The partnership signals a shift toward teamwork after Riley's solitary start.

Shortly after assignment Police precinct
5

Mercenaries burn another victim

The team stumbles into a group of mercenaries in the act of burning a victim, triggering a chaotic shootout. The assault reveals that the case extends beyond local criminals and into professional paramilitary activity. Riley and Ganz realize they are dealing with well-armed and ruthless opponents.

Early in partnership City streets
6

Crowe implicated

During the investigation, Riley and Ganz learn that Raymond Crowe hired the mercenaries to carry out the killings. The revelation shifts the case from street gang violence to a wider conspiracy. The stakes rise as they chase clues that connect Crowe to Spartan's mercenaries.

Mid investigation Investigation site
7

Colin's evidence and a deadly trap

Colin reveals he possesses incriminating video showing the Spartan mercenaries executing innocents on assignment. The partners locate him, only to be ambushed by Spartan-backed gunmen. Colin is mortally wounded and sacrifices himself by blowing up the house to let Riley and Ganz escape.

Soon after discovery Colin's location / safe house
8

Trahan is killed in pursuit of vigilante justice

Captain Trahan visits Riley’s home to dissuade him from taking matters into his own hands, but Dekker, a leader of Spartan mercenaries, ambushes and kills him. The murder eliminates a voice of law at the city level and pushes Riley further toward personal retribution. The loss deepens Riley's resolve to bring down Spartan.

Immediately after Trahan's confrontation Riley's home
9

Riley embraces vigilante justice

With Trahan dead and city politics turning against him, Riley decides to take matters into his own hands and pursue Spartan mercenaries directly. The line between law and vengeance blurs as he prepares for a personal showdown. The case becomes as much about his own redemption as about the murders themselves.

After Trahan's death City streets
10

Dekker falls

Dekker attacks Riley in a brutal confrontation, but Riley kills him, eliminating a key leader of Spartan's mercenaries. The victory buys time for Riley, yet the fight is far from over. The mercenaries regroup as Crowe's network remains intact.

Confrontation with Dekker City streets
11

Ganz kidnapped and the final assault

Riley learns Crowe has kidnapped Ganz, prompting a break-in to Crowe's stronghold. He eliminates the remaining mercenaries, but Crowe escapes in the ensuing chase. Riley pursues through the city, cementing the personal cost of the investigation.

Later Crowe's stronghold
12

A tense street showdown and Crowe's fate

Crowe shoots Riley during the pursuit, but Riley returns fire and brings Crowe down in the street. Ganz pleads for mercy and urges Riley not to finish him off, a moment that tests Riley’s restraint. Weddo and his gang arrive, seize Crowe, and take him away—likely to kill him.

After Crowe's capture attempt City streets
13

Closing reflections

In the aftermath, Riley visits Ganz's child's birthday party, seeking a sense of normalcy amid violence. He then goes to the cemetery where his own son is buried, choosing memory over revenge. The final image frames the toll the case has taken on him and the fragile line between justice and vengeance.

End Ganz's party location; cemetery

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:59

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Sinners and Saints Summary

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