Whiplash

The film opens with a middle-weight bout at Madison Square Garden in 1925. Mike Angelo looks to be overwhelmed as he takes a hard knock, but the bell saves him from defeat. He survives the round, establishing him as a fighter with grit and a story ahead.

Mike Gordon, a California painter, confronts Laurie to reclaim a painting she bought from Sam's cafe. He argues the work isn't good enough, seeking to retrieve it. Laurie convinces him it's worth keeping and invites him to dinner.

After a romantic dinner, Mike and Laurie swim in the ocean and grow closer. They arrange a breakfast date the next morning. The evening deepens their attraction, setting the stage for future complications.

A shady character enters Sam's cafe and Laurie suddenly departs town. At her hotel, Mike discovers the painting is wrapped and addressed to Dr. Vincent in New York City. Sam gives Mike money to travel to New York.

Mike learns that the painting is addressed to Dr. Vincent, revealing Laurie's dangerous entanglements. With Sam's money, he heads to New York to uncover the truth and find Laurie.

In Mike's Greenwich Village artist's studio, his neighbor Christine invites him to the Pelican Club. Christine's plan to land him a portrait commission backfires when Laurie appears in a spotlight to sing. Mike goes to Laurie's dressing room after the performance.

Laurie delivers a show-stopping number at the Pelican Club. Mike seeks her in her dressing room, but hoodlums ambush him; he knocks one out but is struck by Costello and knocked unconscious. He is dragged to the boss Rex Durant's office.

Rex Durant, a crippled ex-boxer running the club, is impressed by Mike's performance and proposes to train him into a champion. The catch: Laurie is revealed to be Durant's wife, exposing Durant's manipulation. Mike resents Laurie's deception but agrees to consider the offer.

Mike throws himself into training to become a prizefighter, becoming entwined in Durant's sadistic scheme. Dr. Vincent explains that Durant manipulated Laurie into staying married after a car accident and a failed medical arrangement. Vincent reveals his plan to kill Durant to liberate Laurie.

Vincent's plan escalates; Costello blindsides Mike, delivering a concussion. Mike confronts Durant, aware that winning the big bout might be the only path to Laurie's freedom. Durant reminds him that the opportunity is built on the risk of death.

Durant doubles down on a cruel bargain: if Mike wins the big bout, Laurie will be free from Durant's control. Mike weighs the moral cost of the deal but presses on, determined to seize his chance.

The extended flashback culminates in a brutal Madison Square Garden bout. Mike endures a beating but refuses to quit and ultimately triumphs in the ring. He is carried to the hospital as the crowd roars his victory.

In the chaotic aftermath, Dr. Vincent pursues Durant; Costello shoots Vincent and he returns fire, wounding Durant. Durant's wheelchair careens through the arena and into an oncoming taxi, ending his hold on Laurie.

Back in California, Mike paints on the beach as Sam arrives with news of Laurie's arrival. The lovers share a kiss on the cliff, suggesting a hopeful future beyond Durant's control.