Year: 1986
Runtime: 111 min
Language: English
Director: Alan Rudolph
In the crime-ridden metropolis of Rain City, a former lawman now living as a fugitive, Kris Kristofferson, finds himself caught in a web of danger. He must confront ruthless gangs and navigate the city's dark underbelly to clear his name and seek redemption for past actions. His journey is fraught with peril as he battles to uncover the truth and reclaim his honor.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Trouble in Mind 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 Trouble in Mind (1986), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The story unfolds in a dystopian future set within the confines of Rain City, a place reminiscent of the 1940s characterized by its strict police state and vintage attitudes. In this environment of cynicism and desperation, we meet a struggling father named Coop and his affectionate wife, Georgia, who live in a humble trailer with their small baby. Driven by the hope of securing a better life, they decide to venture into the city after Coop struggles to find a stable job.
Upon their arrival, they find themselves at Wanda’s Diner, where Hawk, an ex-cop recently released from prison for murder, also makes an appearance. Wanda, Hawk’s former love who owns the diner, is eager to rekindle their connection. Meanwhile, the couple becomes entangled with Solo, a cunning thug who is notorious for his literary quotes, even as he sips coffee at the diner. With his opportunistic charm, Solo ingratiates himself with Coop, leading him into a dubious scheme involving stolen jewelry intended for a local gangster named Hilly Blue, played by Glen Milstead (aka Divine).
As Hawk observes the troubling dynamics between Coop, Solo, and the vulnerable Georgia, he recognizes the potential harm to the young family and is compelled to step in. Struggling with his own disillusionment, Hawk finds himself drawn to Georgia and her gentle nature. However, as the partnership between Coop and Solo deepens, they become further ensnared in a web of criminal activity that threatens to destroy any semblance of a normal life.
The narrative escalates as Hilly Blue employs manipulation and control over various individuals to maintain his gangster empire in Rain City. The climax surfaces in a tense confrontation among Hawk, Coop, and Hilly Blue, which ultimately leads to a philosophical reflection about the true value of their lives and the paths they have chosen. The film delves into themes of redemption, the search for meaning, and the sometimes painful choices one must make to survive in a morally ambiguous world.
Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 22:02
Don't stop at just watching — explore Trouble in Mind 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 Trouble in Mind is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Trouble in Mind 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 Trouble in Mind. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Trouble in Mind 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.
Trouble in Mind (1986) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Trouble in Mind (1986) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Trouble in Mind (1986) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Trouble in Mind – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Night Moves (1975) Full Summary & Key Details
No Good Deed (2003) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Trouble Every Day (2001) Full Movie Breakdown
Bad Lieutenant (1992) Detailed Story Recap
Guncrazy (1992) Movie Recap & Themes
Hard Rain (1998) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Broken City (2013) Detailed Story Recap
The Trouble with Men and Women (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
Tightrope (1984) Full Movie Breakdown
Nothing But Trouble (1991) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Big Trouble (2002) Story Summary & Characters
Discreet (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
Kwik Stop (2002) Detailed Story Recap