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A young boy with a fascination for mechanics inadvertently uncovers a complex network of deceit and betrayal. His growing interest leads him deeper into a perilous situation, challenging his understanding of truth and forcing him to question the allegiances of those around him. He must navigate a dangerous game where appearances can be deceiving and trust is a fragile commodity.

A young boy with a fascination for mechanics inadvertently uncovers a complex network of deceit and betrayal. His growing interest leads him deeper into a perilous situation, challenging his understanding of truth and forcing him to question the allegiances of those around him. He must navigate a dangerous game where appearances can be deceiving and trust is a fragile commodity.

Does The Pledge have end credit scenes?

No!

The Pledge does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Pledge

Explore the complete cast of The Pledge, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Pledge

See how The Pledge is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Pledge stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

71

Metascore

7.1

User Score

TMDB

65

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Pledge Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Pledge with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Pledge Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate details and plot twists of 'The Pledge'.

What is the profession of Jerry Black?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Pledge

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Read the complete plot summary of The Pledge, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


DEFINITE SPOILERS

In a gripping thriller, the story revolves around the retiring detective Jerry Black, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. Just as Jerry prepares to bid farewell to his decades-long career at his retirement party, an unexpected case strikes—a horrific rape and murder of a young girl that has recently come to light. As the local police seem all too eager to wash their hands of the matter, it falls upon Jerry to deliver the devastating news to the girl’s heartbroken parents. In a moment charge with emotion, the devastated mother extracts a solemn promise from Jerry, imploring him to find her daughter’s killer for “upon his soul’s salvation.”

Intriguingly, authorities quickly arrest a developmentally challenged Native American trapper, who was spotted near the crime scene and has a troubled history involving previous offenses. However, the investigating officer resorts to dubious methods to wring a confession from this vulnerable man, who, in a wave of confusion and guilt, culminates in taking his own life. Though this case seems closed, Jerry feels a lingering obligation to dig deeper.

With unwavering determination, Jerry delves into the investigation and speaks with the victim’s closest friend. This friend reveals a mysterious acquaintance referred to as “The Giant” or “The Wizard,” who had been seen doling out small porcupines to the girl. Following this lead, Jerry discovers a drawing the victim made—an innocent reminiscence of herself alongside this Giant. This clue enriches Jerry’s growing portfolio as he uncovers two other unsolved cases bearing eerie similarities to this tragedy. One of these murders occurred during the time the arrested Native American was in custody. Despite being officially retired, Jerry feels compelled to keep his vow and pursue the truth behind the sinister events.

In pursuit of answers, he acquires a store and gas station in the vicinity where the calamities transpired. It’s here that he meets Lori, a local waitress-bartender played by Robin Wright Penn. Lori has a young daughter who unfortunately fits the grim profile of the previous victims. Equally tragic, Lori is a survivor of domestic abuse, and one stormy night, after a brutally violent encounter with her husband, she seeks solace from Jerry. He offers her and her daughter a temporary refuge, assuring her there are “no strings attached,” but in time, this arrangement evolves into something deeper as they find themselves living together.

As the narrative escalates, interspersed scenes offer glimpses of potential suspects and lead Jerry further into a web of secrets. Eventually, it is revealed that the little girl casually mentions a man named “The Wizard,” who has invited her to meet him at the local picnic grounds the next day. She shows Jerry chocolate porcupines, gifts shared by this enigmatic figure, igniting his suspicions yet again.

Determined to catch the elusive perpetrator, Jerry arranges for a stakeout at the picnic grounds with some of his former colleagues. However, their patience wanes, and the officers abandon their posts, intending to inform Lori of the unsettling situation. In a tension-filled moment, Lori confronts Jerry, hurling accusations that leave him bewildered before hastily taking her daughter away.

As they drive back, tragedy strikes once more when the officers stumble upon a blazing vehicle, and inside is a dead driver. Suspended from the rear view mirror is a tiny chocolate porcupine, a chilling reminder of the sinister ties connecting these events. The film culminates with Jerry, now desolate, seated in front of his seemingly abandoned gas station, drowning his sorrows in a bottle and muttering to himself, as the haunting mystery lingers on.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Pledge

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Pledge. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer

Cars Featured in The Pledge

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Explore all cars featured in The Pledge, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Blue

Bird TC 2000

Chevrolet

1991

Caprice

Chevrolet

1994

Suburban

Dodge

1987

Caravan

Ford

1980

Bronco

Ford

1957

C-Series

Ford

1992

Crown Victoria

Ford

1998

Crown Victoria

Ford

1999

E-350

Ford

1983

Econoline

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


murder investigationretired policemanserial killerprivate investigationparanoiainvestigationchild murder investigationconvenience storeobsessionretiring detectivecandy storeford vanford e 350japanese carisuzu trooperoldsmobile cutlasstunnelsmoking in a carliterature on screenswiss literature on screeneuropean literature on screencrime literature on screenswiss crime literature on screeneuropean crime literature on screen20th century literature on screen1950s literature on screenmodern day adaptationolder persondance sceneinvestigatorlistening to car radiotalking to oneselfdrinking from a bottlecabinelevatordetective as protagonistpolice stationslow motion scenelooking at oneself in a mirrorframed photographphotographfeet on tablesnow scooteroverweight boyslow motion dance scenebarsinging alongfinger lickinglicking one's fingerlistening to music

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