The Robbers 2009

Johann is a convicted felon and marathon runner who is released on parole after an attempted armed robbery. Almost immediately, he resumes his life of crime, robbing banks armed with a shotgun and wearing a mask, all while slipping back into routine as a capable, fast runner. He moves in with Erika, a young social worker who becomes a friend and then a romantic partner, and their relationship begins to deepen as his days unfold between training, secrecy, and crime. Over time, Johann earns attention for his impressive marathon times, once again clocking record speeds that draw congratulations from the parole officer who oversees his case.

As more robberies occur, Erika grows wary. She discovers Johann’s loot hidden under his bed and, while she asks him to leave, she also insists that people can change, a hope she offers even as concern grows. Weeks pass with little contact between Johann and his parole officer, until the officer appears after a marathon to voice worries about Johann’s lack of communication and cooperation. When pressed to open up, Johann reacts with rage, and the confrontation ends with him bludgeoning the officer to death using his trophy.

Following a final encounter with Erika, Johann is eventually captured by the police in a hotel room where his money is kept, having been betrayed by a heartbroken Erika. He signs a confession, but the moment he is about to be processed, he escapes through a window and launches a cross-country escape on foot, triggering a nationwide manhunt. He seeks refuge in an elderly man’s house, but the situation turns violent when the old man, defending himself, stabs Johann with a concealed knife during the struggle. Johann steals the old man’s car and drives away, only to notice a helicopter tailing him; he then swaps cars with motorists at a rest stop, seemingly eluding the pursuing officers. As the chase continues, Johann’s injuries worsen and he grows faint behind the wheel. He finally pulls over, dies on the road, and speaks to Erika on the phone in his final moments, asking her to stay with him as his breath slows and stops.