The Devil's Own

The Devil's Own

Year: 1997

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Alan J. Pakula

DramaThrillerCrime

When a weary policeman takes in a favor from a friend, he unwittingly invites danger into his New York City home. As tensions simmer, a quiet visit turns violent and Tom discovers the true intentions of his Irish guest - a deadly plot to smuggle guns back to Dublin, threatening international stability.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Devil's Own 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 – The Devil's Own (1997)
Trace every key event in The Devil's Own (1997) 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

Frankie's Traumatic Childhood

In 1992 Belfast, Northern Ireland, Frankie McGuire faced a turning point in his life. At the tender age of eight, he witnessed the brutal murder of his father by the authorities, which was linked to suspicions of IRA involvement. This traumatic experience left a lasting mark on his psyche, shaping him into the determination-driven man he would later become.

1992 Belfast, Northern Ireland
2

IRA Ambush

As the story transitions to the present, Frankie becomes embroiled in chaos with fellow IRA members, including Sean Phelan. During a violent ambush by agents from the British Army, two of Frankie's comrades are ruthlessly slain, leading Frankie and Sean to make a narrow escape from death with a British Army helicopter in pursuit.

3

The Stinger Missile Plan

Following the ambush, Frankie's commander, Martin MacDuff, emphasizes the need for the IRA to acquire Stinger missiles for retaliation. This desperate move sets the stage for Frankie's crucial mission to secure these weapons, highlighting the lengths to which he and the IRA are willing to go in the name of their cause.

4

Frankie's Transformation to 'Rory Devaney'

To facilitate his mission, Frankie adopts the alias 'Rory Devaney.' He travels to New York City, where he seeks the assistance of Judge Peter Fitzsimmons, a longstanding supporter of the IRA. With Fitzsimmons' help, Frankie finds refuge with Irish-American NYPD Sergeant Tom O'Meara and his family, hiding his true intentions under the guise of an immigrant worker.

New York City
5

Reunion and Preparations

In Belfast, Sean reunites with Frankie and secures an old fishing boat for their mission to smuggle missiles back to Ireland. Frankie's negotiations with black market arms dealer Billy Burke begin, aiming to finalize the pickup of the coveted missiles in a matter of weeks, showcasing the escalating stakes of their endeavor.

Belfast
6

Financial Arrangements

As the transaction draws near, Fitzsimmons arranges for another IRA operative, Megan Doherty, to deliver the necessary funds for the missile purchase. Frankie cleverly stashes the money in the O'Meara's basement, setting the stage for the complicated web of deception and danger that is about to unfold.

O'Meara's residence
7

Tom's Guilt and Home Invasion

Tom grapples with guilt over his decision to retire after a cover-up involving his partner, Eddie Diaz. In a harrowing turn of events, masked intruders invade his home while he confides in Sheila about his plight, prompting Frankie to act heroically in defense of Tom and his family.

O'Meara's residence
8

Confrontation with Billy Burke

After fending off the intruders, Frankie confronts Billy Burke regarding an attempted theft of his stashed funds. The tension rises as Burke reveals a sinister twist: he has captured Sean and is demanding a ransom for the missiles, turning Frankie's mission into a high-stakes crisis.

9

Identity Revealed

When Tom questions Frankie about his true identity, Frankie reluctantly admits he is an IRA operative. This admission complicates their relationship as Tom learns that the intruders were searching for something much more significant, including the hidden duffel bag filled with cash.

10

Tom's Dark Conspiracy

Tom becomes entangled in a dark conspiracy involving the FBI and British authorities as the investigation into Eddie's actions deepens. As Frankie's predicament worsens, both men grapple with the consequences of their choices and the impact of their intertwined fates.

11

Final Meeting with Burke

Frankie secretly arranges a meeting with Burke in an abandoned warehouse, leading to a chilling moment when Burke showcases the missiles alongside Sean's severed head. In a stroke of cunning, Frankie detonates a bomb, resulting in a massive explosion that takes down Burke's crew and allows him to escape.

Abandoned warehouse
12

Determined to Complete the Mission

Later, Frankie visits Megan at Fitzsimmons' residence and expresses his unwavering determination to complete his mission. However, Tom's unexpected appearance at a high-profile event introduces new complications, making it increasingly difficult for Frankie to stay under the radar.

Fitzsimmons' residence
13

Climactic Dock Confrontation

The climax unfolds at the dock as Tom stealthily boards the boat, just as Frankie prepares to escape with the missiles. An intense confrontation erupts, where both men find themselves at a crossroads, each resolute in their cause and unwilling to back down despite the immense danger.

Dock
14

Reflections on Loyalty and Sacrifice

As the boat makes its way back to shore, a gravely injured Tom reflects on the irony of their conflict: two soldiers, each standing firm in their beliefs, caught in a battle against seemingly insurmountable odds. The emotional weight of their struggle for loyalty and sacrifice resonates deeply as they navigate their fates.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:22

Similar Movies to The Devil's Own
Discover movies like The Devil's Own 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.