You Kill Me 2007

Frank Falenczyk, a rough-around-the-edges hitman working for his Polish mob family in Buffalo, New York, is battling his inner demons, particularly a self-destructive drinking problem that jeopardizes his career. After a significant mistake allows Eddie O’Leary to escape and wreak havoc among the local Chinese community, Frank’s family business faces serious threats. Consequently, his uncle Roman Krzeminski, the figurehead of the mob, mandates that Frank seek redemption through a 12-step program in San Francisco.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, Frank’s initial attempt at recovery is met with indifference at an AA meeting, prompting him to leave early. However, he encounters Roman’s associate, Dave, who coerces him into taking up a job at a local funeral home. In this new environment, he meets Laurel Pearson, a charming client dealing with the loss of her stepfather. Their unexpected connection develops into a tentative romance, but Frank’s sponsor cautions him that his cravings for love may clash with his journey toward sobriety.

Back in Buffalo, the situation worsens as Frank’s cousin Stef grapples with an aggressive Irish gang threatening their snow-plowing business. Desperate for a solution that aligns with Frank’s recovery, Stef reaches out for help. Meanwhile, Frank struggles to balance his loyalties to his family while nurturing his feelings for Laurel, all while trying to keep his past mistakes at bay.

The chaos escalates when an Irish family chooses the funeral home for a wake, placing Frank at a crossroads. Tempted by the familiar allure of drinking and the social atmosphere, he makes reckless decisions that disrupt his budding relationship with Laurel, including missing a dinner date and crashing her car. Alone on a rain-soaked street, Frank realizes he has relapsed.

As dawn approaches, Frank confesses to Laurel about his slip into addiction and takes her to an AA meeting, courageously sharing his experiences, including his life as a hitman. His sponsor Tom offers support, and the meeting attendees show empathy without judgment.

As their relationship deepens, Laurel’s curiosity about Frank’s dangerous career flourishes; she challenges him with questions about his work. Determined to make amends, Frank reveals the documentation of his previous cases and attempts to send gift cards to the families affected by his past actions when intoxicated.

However, Dave presents a new dilemma; a building inspector threatens to demolish a property owned by their agency for safety concerns. With Laurel’s encouragement and newly refined skills, Frank confronts Supervisor Davis, making a compelling case that ultimately saves the building.

While celebrating his success, Frank feels a sense of isolation when Laurel decides not to spend the night. Vulnerable, he succumbs to temptation once more. At a bar, Dave expresses gratitude but berates Frank, calling him a loser.

Returning home, Frank finds Laurel there, but he chooses to conceal his struggles from her. Tragedy strikes when a violent confrontation in Buffalo results in the loss of his uncle and two other family members at the hands of the rival gang. Driven by a mixture of anger and a desire to support Stef, Frank returns to Buffalo, seeking vengeance against O’Leary.

With Laurel by his side, Frank successfully suppresses the gang’s threat, ultimately finding solace in confronting O’Leary. One year into his sobriety marked at an AA meeting, Frank stands surrounded by friends including Tom, Stef, and Laurel, finally grasping the redemption and purpose he has long sought.