Year: 1999
Runtime: 89 min
Language: English
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Budget: $10M
A hardened ex-con travels to Los Angeles seeking retribution for his daughter's death. Determined to uncover the truth, he confronts a ruthless criminal named Valentine and a dangerous network of individuals involved in her tragic demise. Navigating the city's dark underbelly, he relentlessly pursues justice, facing perilous encounters and escalating violence along the way.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Limey 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Limey (1999), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Wilson, portrayed by Terence Stamp, begins his journey with an urgent plea to a black screen: “Tell me. Tell me. Tell me about Jenny.” This stark introduction unveils a man consumed by determination and grief as the iconic tune “The Seeker” by Who sets the tone. We first see him navigating from the airport to a hotel room, his attention diverted to a newspaper article detailing a woman’s tragic demise, accompanied by a note addressed to an “Ed Roel” in California.
Upon locating Ed Roel, played by Luis Guzman, Wilson dives into the purpose of his visit. Foregoing pleasantries, he inquires directly whether Ed was involved in his daughter’s death. Ed, puzzled, points out he never claimed anyone murdered her; he merely provided the clipping. Wilson learns that his daughter’s tragic accident left her with a broken neck, saving her from the flames of the crash, which Ed rationalizes could happen to anyone. Wilson, however, remains resolute in his belief that “No. Not my girl. Self control she had. It was a point of pride.” He presses Ed for details about Jenny’s associations, particularly a man named Terry Valentine, but Ed claims ignorance.
As the story unfolds, we see Wilson purchasing a firearm from local youths, cutting back through time as he reflects on his daughter. He learns from Ed that Jenny was deeply involved with Terry, a “money guy” now living in a mansion. Ed recalls driving Jenny around, recalling how she braved a dangerous neighborhood seeking out Terry, refusing typical avenues in favor of “some bad place” where men were unloading trucks.
Wilson’s investigation leads him to Terry’s lavish estate, where he assiduously surveys and remembers Jenny’s childhood. During a party hosted by Terry, now played by Peter Fonda, Wilson’s presence creates tension, prompting him to confront Ed about his intentions. Despite being urged to keep a low profile, the confrontation escalates as Wilson showcases fits of rage, leading to violent exchanges that capture the chaotic nightlife and shady dealings surrounding Terry.
With each revelation, Ed, Elaine (a friend of Jenny’s played by Lesley Ann Warren), and the DEA involve themselves in a web of betrayal and danger, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at Terry’s hideout where loyalties are tested, and the true nature of Jenny’s demise is uncovered. Amidst the mayhem, Wilson reflects on his memories of Jenny while fighting against the shadowy forces that conspired against her.
In a climactic showdown on the rocky beach, Wilson corners Terry, who finally admits to the violent truth of Jenny’s death, a confrontation that turns personal as Wilson snarls the haunting lines “Tell me about Jenny.” Ultimately, Wilson is left alone with his thoughts of revenge and loss as he boards a plane once more, contemplating freedom and love intertwined with haunting memories of his daughter, as Jenny’s mother narrates a tender remembrance of their past.
Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 18:03
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
A lone, damaged protagonist pursues violent retribution for a profound personal loss.If you liked The Limey's story of a father's violent quest for justice, you'll find more movies like it here. These films focus on lone, grieving protagonists seeking revenge, featuring heavy emotional weight, dark tones, and tense, gritty crime investigations.
The narrative follows a protagonist, often an outsider or someone with a hidden past, as they methodically and violently dismantle the criminal network responsible for their loss. The journey is less about redemption and more about catharsis, frequently leading to a bittersweet or bleak conclusion where justice is served but peace remains elusive.
These films are grouped by their core emotional engine: a morally ambiguous quest for vengeance born from deep, personal grief. They share a grim atmosphere, high emotional intensity, and a focus on the psychological toll of revenge rather than its glory.
Stylish, gritty crime tales that use flashbacks to piece together a tragic puzzle.Discover movies like The Limey that share its distinctive neo-noir style and narrative structure. These similar films feature a gritty atmosphere, a criminal underworld setting, and a nonlinear timeline that pieces together the story through flashbacks and memories.
The plot unfolds in a non-chronological manner, weaving together past and present to slowly uncover the truth behind a central crime or betrayal. This structure mirrors the protagonist's fractured psyche and obsessive investigation, emphasizing theme and mood over a linear A-to-B narrative.
These movies are connected by their distinctive aesthetic and narrative approach: a melancholic, gritty tone, a focus on criminal underworlds, and a complex structure that uses time jumps to build suspense and deepen character psychology.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Limey 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 The Limey is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Limey with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Limey. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Limey that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Limey: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Limey 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.
The Limey (1999) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Limey (1999) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Limey (1999) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Limey – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
L.A. Confidential (1997) Complete Plot Breakdown
Limbo (2021) Movie Recap & Themes
Killing Them Softly (2012) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Foreigner (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Message from the King (2017) Full Summary & Key Details
Street Kings (2008) Film Overview & Timeline
Lila & Eve (2015) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Client (1994) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Gleaming the Cube (1989) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Limbo (2023) Complete Plot Breakdown
Limbo (2024) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Limehouse Blues (1934) Film Overview & Timeline
The Blue Lamp (1950) Movie Recap & Themes
City of Industry (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Good Die Young (1954) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap