Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

The Last Days of American Crime (2020) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Last Days of American Crime (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 148 min · English
Echo score 10
Loading streaming availability…
Directed by
Olivier Megaton
Starring
Sharlto Copley, Édgar Ramírez, Nathan Lynn, Anna Brewster, Brandon Auret, Carel Nel

In an attempt to combat widespread terrorism and lawlessness, the U.S. government initiates a groundbreaking program that eliminates criminal intent. With the implementation of this radical measure rapidly approaching, Graham Bricke, a skilled but down-on-his-luck thief, unexpectedly teams up with a gangster's son and a resourceful hacker. Together, they plan a daring, unprecedented heist, hoping to pull off one last major score before crime as they know it ceases to exist.

On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like The Last Days of American Crime
  9. 9 Every angle
Loading streaming availability…

4 main characters · contains spoilers

The Last Days of American Crime Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Last Days of American Crime (2020), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Graham Bricke

    played by Édgar Ramírez

    Graham Bricke is a complex character shaped by his turbulent past and relentless quest for vengeance. Following the loss of his brother, his transformation from a notorious bank robber to a desperate survivor highlights the psychological toll of betrayal and violence. Driven by a need for redemption, his journey encapsulates the struggle of an individual lost in a morally corrupted world.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Antihero
    • ⚔️ Vengeance
  • Shelby Dupree

    played by Anna Brewster

    Shelby Dupree is a resourceful and resilient woman who navigates the treacherous landscape of crime while harboring her own secrets. Her relationship with Bricke adds depth to her character, revealing her vulnerabilities amidst a façade of strength. As a covert informant for the FBI, her motivations blur the lines of loyalty, revealing the complexities of love and survival.

    • 💪 Resourceful
    • 🕵️‍♀️ Informant
  • Kevin Cash

    played by Michael Pitt

    Kevin Cash is initially presented as a companion to Bricke, but his true identity as the son of a crime family adds layers to his character. Palpable with pain from his past, his quest for vengeance against a corrupt government serves as a catalyst for the film's events. His moral ambiguity and sharp turns reflect the chaotic environment they inhabit.

    • 👤 Betrayer
    • 🎭 Complexity
  • William Sawyer

    played by Sharlto Copley

    William Sawyer is an officer caught in the gripping narrative, representing the force of law amidst escalating chaos. His determination and quick thinking highlight his resolve to maintain order. However, his encounter with Bricke and Shelby reveals the fragile nature of authority when undermined by desperation and moral conflict.

    • 👮‍♂️ Law
    • ⚖️ Authority

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 20:43

Was this helpful?

8 characters · 8 connections · contains spoilers

The Last Days of American Crime Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in The Last Days of American Crime: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
GBGraham BrickeÉdgar RamírezSDShelby DupreeAnna BrewsterKCKevin CashMichael PittWSWilliam SawyerSharlto CopleyRBRory BrickeLLonnieRKRoss KingRDRossi Dumois

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 20:43

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does The Last Days of American Crime Take Place?

The setting of The Last Days of American Crime (2020): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in a near-future setting marked by social unrest and government intervention. The introduction of the American Peace Initiative suggests a contemporary struggle with crime and personal morality, reflecting global fears about authoritarian control and individual freedoms.

Location

United States, Canada

The film is set in a dystopian version of the United States where crime has reached alarming levels, prompting the government to introduce the American Peace Initiative. The tensions of urban life are contrasted with the peaceful escape sought in Canada, representing hope and freedom from the chaos and brutality of their past.

  • 🏙️ Urban
  • 🌲 Nature

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 20:43

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

The Last Days of American Crime Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Last Days of American Crime (2020) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Crime and Betrayal

    The movie explores themes of crime as various characters navigate a treacherous underworld filled with deception and betrayal. Graham Bricke’s descent into violence epitomizes the moral complexities faced by criminals, particularly as loyalty and survival become paramount. The consequences of betrayal resonate deeply, especially through the tragic fate of Bricke’s brother.

  • Desperation and Survival

    The film delves into the desperate measures individuals take when faced with insurmountable odds. Bricke's continual fight for survival becomes a defining aspect of his character, pushing him into a world where ruthlessness is the norm. The emotional toll of losing loved ones heightens the narrative's intensity, emphasizing the lengths people will go to in order to escape their realities.

  • Love in Chaos

    Amidst the chaos and violence, the relationship between Bricke and Shelby offers a glimpse of hope and humanity. Their love flourishes under dire circumstances, showcasing the power of connection and the desire for emotional refuge in times of turmoil. This theme resonates as they navigate their turbulent pasts together, embodying both fragility and resilience.

Last updated: October 23, 2026 at 20:43

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

The Last Days of American Crime Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Last Days of American Crime (2020): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

What is the American Peace Initiative in the film?

The American Peace Initiative (API) is a government program designed to combat widespread terrorism and crime by eliminating criminal intent. This radical measure represents the dystopian backdrop of the story, where the U.S. government attempts to impose control through technological means, raising questions about free will and authoritarianism.

  • american peace initiative
  • api
  • government control
  • dystopian
  • crime prevention
Q2

Where is the movie set?

The film takes place in a dystopian United States where crime has spiraled out of control, creating a chaotic and violent environment. The story contrasts the brutal urban landscape of America with Canada, which represents a peaceful escape and hope for freedom from the turmoil.

  • united states
  • canada
  • setting
  • dystopian
  • location
Q3

When is the story set?

The narrative unfolds in a near-future setting, depicting a contemporary world grappling with extreme crime rates and government overreach. This time frame reflects modern anxieties about authoritarian control, surveillance, and the erosion of personal freedoms.

  • near future
  • time period
  • setting
  • dystopian
  • contemporary
Q4

Who is Graham Bricke?

Graham Bricke is a skilled but down-on-his-luck thief, played by Édgar Ramírez, who has been shaped by tragedy following the loss of his brother. His quest for vengeance drives much of the narrative, transforming him from a notorious bank robber into a desperate survivor navigating a morally corrupted world.

  • graham bricke
  • Édgar Ramírez
  • protagonist
  • thief
  • vengeance
Q5

Who is Shelby Dupree?

Shelby Dupree, played by Anna Brewster, is a resourceful woman navigating the crime world while harboring secrets. Her relationship with Bricke adds emotional depth, revealing her vulnerabilities beneath a strong exterior. She ultimately works as a covert FBI informant, blurring the lines between loyalty and survival.

  • shelby dupree
  • anna brewster
  • fbi informant
  • character
  • love interest
Q6

Who is Kevin Cash?

Kevin Cash, played by Michael Pitt, is introduced as Bricke's companion but is later revealed to be the son of a crime family. His quest for vengeance against a corrupt government serves as a catalyst for the film's heist plot. His moral ambiguity reflects the chaotic world they inhabit.

  • kevin cash
  • michael pitt
  • crime family
  • vengeance
  • character
Q7

Who is William Sawyer?

William Sawyer, played by Sharlto Copley, is a law enforcement officer representing authority in a world of escalating chaos. His determination to maintain order is tested through encounters with Bricke and Shelby, revealing the fragile nature of power when confronted with desperation and moral conflict.

  • william sawyer
  • sharlto copley
  • police
  • law enforcement
  • character
Q8

What does the movie say about crime and betrayal?

The film explores crime as characters navigate a treacherous underworld filled with deception and betrayal. Graham Bricke's descent into violence exemplifies the moral complexities faced by criminals, particularly as loyalty and survival become paramount. The consequences of betrayal resonate deeply, especially through the tragic fate of Bricke's brother.

  • crime
  • betrayal
  • moral complexity
  • underworld
  • loyalty
Q9

How does the film explore desperation and survival?

The movie delves into the desperate measures individuals take when facing insurmountable odds. Bricke's continual fight for survival becomes a defining aspect of his character, pushing him into a world where ruthlessness is the norm. The emotional toll of losing loved ones emphasizes the lengths people will go to escape their realities.

  • desperation
  • survival
  • escape
  • loss
  • desperation theme
Q10

What role does love play in the story?

Amidst the chaos and violence, the relationship between Bricke and Shelby offers hope and humanity. Their love flourishes under dire circumstances, showcasing the power of connection as an emotional refuge in times of turmoil. This theme of love in chaos embodies both fragility and resilience as they navigate their turbulent pasts together.

  • love
  • romance
  • relationship
  • connection
  • humanity
Q11

What kind of world does the movie portray?

The film presents a dystopian version of America where crime has reached alarming levels, prompting extreme government intervention. The world is characterized by urban chaos, violence, and a society on the brink of transformation through the controversial American Peace Initiative, which threatens to strip away free will.

  • dystopia
  • america
  • worldbuilding
  • society
  • government intervention

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Last Days of American Crime, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Last Days of American Crime tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Dystopian Final Heist Movies like The Last Days of American Crime

Desperate criminals plan one final heist against a collapsing or controlling society. If you liked the desperate last score in The Last Days of American Crime, explore movies with similar high-stakes heists set against dystopian backdrops. These films feature tense, fast-paced action, morally gray characters, and a pervasive sense of racing against an apocalyptic or authoritarian deadline.

  • tense
  • desperate
  • gritty
  • violent
  • chaotic
  • bleak
  • Tone: dark, cynical, tense
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a high-stakes, time-sensitive heist planned by a team of skilled but desperate individuals. The central conflict is not just pulling off the score, but surviving in a hostile, often corrupt world that is on the brink of a fundamental, irreversible shift. The journey is marked by violent confrontations, shifting alliances, and a high probability of tragic sacrifice.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a specific combination of a dystopian or end-of-days setting with the classic heist structure. They are united by a relentless pace, high intensity, and a dark, cynical tone that questions whether any victory is possible in a broken world.

Bleak and Heavy Crime Thrillers like The Last Days of American Crime

Violent, heavy crime stories where betrayal is inevitable and the price of victory is devastating. Fans of the gritty, violent underworld and emotional weight of The Last Days of American Crime will find similar themes here. These movies explore complex criminal plots, deep-seated betrayal, and devastating personal loss, all set within a dark and tense atmosphere.

  • gritty
  • violent
  • bleak
  • desperate
  • cynical
  • tense
  • Tone: dark, bleak, heavy
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The story typically follows a protagonist's descent into a complex web of criminal enterprises, often motivated by revenge, loss, or a desperate need for one last chance. The plot is a spiral of escalating violence and inevitable betrayals, leading to a conclusion where any success is overshadowed by profound personal cost. The emotional journey is defined by heavy themes like brotherly loss and the corrupting nature of revenge.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and focus on the brutal realities of crime. They feature moderate to complex narratives with webs of deceit, and often conclude with a bittersweet or bleak resolution that emphasizes the futility or cost of the criminal life.

If you liked this

Movies Like The Last Days of American Crime

Similar movies to The Last Days of American Crime: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

The Last Days of American Crime (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Last Days of American Crime in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app