You Were Never Really Here

The film opens with Joe, a skilled hired gun, residing in a rundown motel. He specializes in recovering missing trafficked girls, showcasing his gritty lifestyle and formidable skills right from the start.

After completing a job, Joe meticulously cleans up the scene to erase any traces. This highlights his professionalism and the lengths he goes to in protecting his identity.

While canvassing the streets, Joe faces an assailant in an alley. Utilizing his combat skills, he defends himself and manages to escape, displaying his ability to handle immediate threats.

Back at home in New York City, Joe struggles with PTSD stemming from his traumatic past and experiences as a Gulf War veteran. Flashbacks haunt him, revealing darker aspects of his psyche and deep emotional scars.

During a payment exchange at a local bodega, Joe expresses concern over Angel’s son, Moises, who may have seen him return home. This worry prompts Joe to consider severing ties with Angel for his own safety.

Joe meets with his handler, John McCleary, who briefs him on a new case: finding the missing daughter of Senator Albert Votto. The high-profile nature of the assignment adds pressure, with a $50,000 reward for safe recovery.

Upon meeting Senator Votto, Joe learns about his daughter Nina's possible whereabouts. He realizes the gravity of the situation, as Votto urges him to not only find Nina but to punish those responsible for her disappearance.

Joe identifies a notorious child trafficking hub believed to be where Nina is held captive. He confronts a man for information, illustrating his determination to rescue the girl while assessing the imminent dangers.

Steeling himself, Joe infiltrates the house where Nina is kept. He fights through threats, showcasing his lethal skills until he finally manages to locate and secure Nina's safety.

After taking Nina to a motel, Joe learns from the news that Senator Votto has committed suicide—a devastating blow that complicates their situation. As chaos erupts, corrupt officers arrest Nina, prompting a fierce struggle.

In the aftermath, Joe discovers that his handler McCleary, Angel, and Moises have all been killed. This amplifies his isolation and the gravity of his mission, propelling him into deeper chaos.

Returning home, Joe faces the horrifying reality of finding his mother deceased in her bed. The emotional weight of her death sets him on a path of vengeance as he confronts the very perpetrators responsible.

In a brutal confrontation, Joe learns that Votto was part of a larger conspiracy involving Governor Williams. This shocking revelation intensifies Joe's mission as he seeks redemption and justice for the wrongs inflicted upon him.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, Joe buries his mother by a lake. In a moment of despair, he contemplates suicide before being jolted back to reality by a vision of Nina, reigniting his resolve.

Joe tracks down Governor Williams, only to find him dead. In the disquieting aftermath, Joe discovers Nina holding a razor, which leads to a surreal twist as he grapples with his own despair.