Small Crimes

Small Crimes

Year: 2017

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: E.L. Katz

DramaThrillerCrime

Following a prison sentence for attempted murder, a former police officer returns to his hometown hoping to rebuild his life. However, he finds himself caught in a dangerous situation involving a corrupt sheriff, a relentless district attorney, and a powerful mob boss, all seeking to exploit his past. As he navigates this web of deceit and violence, he must confront the shadows of his past to survive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Small Crimes 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 – Small Crimes (2017)

Trace every key event in Small Crimes (2017) 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

Joe Denton's Release

Former cop Joe Denton is released after serving six years in prison for crimes he committed while involved with a corrupt organization. As he steps back into the world, he is immediately confronted by the stigma of being known as the 'slash cop' due to his brutal attack on District Attorney Phil Coakley.

2

Denton Returns Home

Upon returning to his modest home, Joe is met with disappointment from his elderly parents, who are ashamed of his tarnished reputation. Their disapproval adds to Joe's already heavy burden as he seeks a path toward redemption.

Joe's family home
3

Interaction with Ex-Wife

Denton re-establishes contact with his ex-wife, who carries a cold demeanor and throws veiled threats his way. This encounter plunges Joe deeper into despair, reminding him of the repercussions of his past decisions.

4

Reunion with Scotty

While seeking refuge at a familiar local bar, Joe reconnects with Scotty, the brother of his deceased partner. Scotty offers support, sharing a camaraderie that reignites a flicker of hope for Denton amid his turbulent life.

Local bar
5

Disturbing Incident at the Bar

At the bar, a tense encounter occurs with a young woman, who turns out to be Coakley's daughter. This event escalates into a shocking instance of self-harm, triggering violent reactions that change the course of Denton's night.

Local bar
6

Denton's Retaliation

Following an assault by two men at the bar, Joe defends himself with ferocity, showcasing both his physical prowess and emotional turmoil. Fortunately, evidence supports his claims, prompting Coakley to choose not to pursue further charges, which angers Lieutenant Pleasant.

Local bar
7

Manipulation by Lieutenant Pleasant

Lieutenant Pleasant manipulates Denton into confronting his violent history by suggesting he eliminate mob boss Manny Vassey. Despite Vassey's newfound Christian faith, Pleasant dangles the promise of a better settlement with Joe's ex-wife, pulling him back into danger.

8

Meeting Charlotte Boyd

Joe unexpectedly encounters Charlotte Boyd, Vassey's compassionate hospice nurse, and begins to feel an attraction towards her. This budding relationship provides Denton a glimpse of normalcy and warmth amid chaos.

9

Threats from Junior Vassey

As Joe's feelings for Charlotte grow, they face danger from Junior Vassey, who is intent on eliminating threats to his father. This increases the stakes for Denton, complicating his connection with Charlotte and pushing him toward confrontation.

10

Romantic Relationship with Boyd

After reconnecting with Charlotte at a diner, Joe embarks on a romantic relationship that brings him joy. However, Pleasant threatens Joe and his family, overshadowing their happiness with impending danger.

Diner
11

Denton’s Descent into Deceit

In a desperate bid for information, Joe employs Toni, a local prostitute, to gather evidence against Coakley through a hidden camera setup. The mission takes a dark turn when chaos erupts due to Rooster, Toni's violent boyfriend, leading to tragic outcomes.

Coakley's motel room
12

Tragic Aftermath

Following the destructive incident at Coakley's motel, Joe's life spirals out of control as he becomes a target of chaos and violence. He confronts his parents, revealing the depth of his despair as they suffer from anxiety over his dangerous choices.

13

Kidnapping and Betrayal

Joe is kidnapped by Junior Vassey, who attacks Boyd, leading to feelings of betrayal and despair for Denton. This brutal event encapsulates the perilous game he is caught in, pulling him further away from any hope of redemption.

14

Confrontation with Scotty

In a shocking turn of events, Joe learns that Scotty was implicated in violence that led to his mother being wounded. In a rage, he confronts Junior, resulting in a brutal clash that severely injures Scotty, revealing the complex web of betrayals surrounding him.

15

Final Moments and Tragic End

In a heart-wrenching climax, Denton confronts his father about hidden dirty money, leading to a violent showdown. Tragically, in the final moments of his life, Joe orchestrates a cruel fate that sees his father bearing the weight of his tragic downfall.

Joe's family home

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:19

Unlock the Full Story of Small Crimes

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

Small Crimes Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Small Crimes, 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.

Small Crimes Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Crimes

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Small Crimes. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Small Crimes

More About Small Crimes

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Small Crimes: 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 Small Crimes

Similar Movies to Small Crimes

Discover movies like Small Crimes 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.