The Business

Frankie is a young, aimless Londoner who dreams of being somebody. He is drawn into Charlie's world after a moment of violence against his mother's abusive boyfriend, and he soon discovers the lucrative lure of crime. He remains pragmatic and hungry for status, taking bigger risks as he becomes involved in cannabis and cocaine trafficking. The ending hints that Frankie heads to Hollywood, embodying his hard-won but precarious independence.

Sammy is a volatile, psychopathic enforcer who wields violence to protect the group's interests. He loyally serves Charlie but grows paranoid as the cocaine trade expands and Carly's machinations unfold. His aggression and quick temper heighten the risks for everyone around him. He is fatally shot by Spanish Navy patrolmen during a climactic confrontation.

Charlie is a suave expatriate who runs a nightclub and lures Frankie into the criminal world. He exerts control and provides the glamour and money that drive the crew. His appetite for wealth blinds him to loyalty and risk, setting off the infighting that ends their alliance. His power wanes as law enforcement closes in and rivals rise.

Carly is a seductive and calculating figure who uses charm to manipulate Frankie and Sammy. She becomes a disruptive force, pursuing money and status while playing both sides. Her actions deepen the crew's fragility and trigger betrayals that steer the plot toward violence. Her ultimate plans contribute to the gang's unraveling.

The mayor represents authority in a crime-ridden landscape. He initially tolerates the cannabis trade but clamps down on cocaine, destabilizing Charlie's operation. His crackdown precipitates rivalries, violence, and the crew's decline. His actions illustrate how public power can reshape criminal fortune.

Sonny is Frankie’s friend who runs Charlie’s old bar after the fall of the initial gang. He serves as a stabilizing, loyal ally who tries to keep a semblance of normal life alive amid chaos. He represents the ordinary world that still lingers in the shadow of crime. His presence anchors the film’s aftermath and Frankie’s final choices.

Nora is a maternal figure in Frankie’s life, embodying concern and resilience. Her presence underscores the personal stakes behind Frankie’s choices and the violence that spirals from them. She represents the ordinary world that Frankie longs to protect, even as he falls deeper into crime.