Blood Money 2017

Thriller

Runtime

100 min

Language

English

Directed by

Lucky McKee

Made by

Saban Films

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Blood Money Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Blood Money (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

In Blood Money (2017), the narrative unfolds around four central characters: the protagonist Lynn, her two friends, Jeff [Jacob Artist], and Victor [John Cusack], alongside the antagonist, Miller. This gripping story follows three long-time companions who venture into a breathtaking mountain wilderness to navigate a twisting river on a rafting trip.

During their peaceful excursion, the group encounters the enigmatic Miller, who briefly joins them as they relax by the river at their makeshift campsite. Miller is in a precarious situation, desperately searching for $8,000,000 that he had previously embezzled from a bank, only to lose it in the vast, dense forest. At this juncture, interactions are relatively friendly and cordial.

As the story progresses, an unexpected twist occurs when Lynn discovers the money lodged against the riverbank while exploring. Ill-fatedly, she stumbles upon four satchels filled with cash. What ensues is a deep-seated conflict among the three friends, stemming from their vastly different priorities and perspectives on how to handle this windfall. Jeff is portrayed as a people-pleaser, keen on ensuring Lynn’s happiness. In contrast, Victor’s integrity compels him to turn the money in, while Lynn sees this unexpected fortune as a golden ticket to escape her dismal situation, particularly after losing her college athletic scholarship due to a severe knee injury.

As tensions rise, Miller catches up with Victor, who has opted to leave the wilderness behind, while Lynn and Jeff choose to float down the river. The plot thickens, leading to a thrilling pursuit where Miller relentlessly hunts to reclaim the money lost to the river, setting the stage for an intense encounter among the four characters, each driven by their motives and the looming presence of greed in the shadowy wilderness.

Blood Money Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Blood Money (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Rafting Trip Begins

Lynn, Jeff, and Victor embark on an exciting rafting trip into the breathtaking mountain wilderness. The camaraderie of the three friends is evident as they prepare for their adventure, eager to explore the great outdoors together.

Daytime Mountain Wilderness

Meeting Miller

During a relaxing stop at their makeshift campsite, the group encounters Miller, a mysterious man with an intriguing backstory. Initially, his presence is welcomed as they share stories and enjoy each other’s company by the river.

Daytime Makeshift Campsite

Miller's Revelation

Miller shares his troubling tale of having embezzled $8,000,000 from a bank only to lose it in the forest. His desperation for recovery becomes apparent, but the group remains unaware of the real danger he poses.

Evening Makeshift Campsite

Lynn's Discovery

While exploring the riverbank, Lynn stumbles upon four satchels filled with cash, hidden and waiting to be found. This shocking discovery sets off a series of events that will challenge their friendship and moral compasses.

Daytime Riverbank

Conflict Arises

The discovery of the cash ignites a deep conflict among the three friends, each having different views on the right course of action. Lynn sees the money as a way to escape her troubles, while Jeff is focused on appeasing her, and Victor feels compelled to report it.

Victor's Decision

Victor ultimately decides to leave the wilderness and turn the money in, driven by his strong sense of integrity. This decision escalates tensions within the group, highlighting the differing motivations among the friends.

Daytime Wilderness

Lynn and Jeff's Choice

Lynn and Jeff choose to float down the river instead of leaving with Victor. Their decision deepens their bond but also places them in danger as they become unaware of the impending threat posed by Miller.

Daytime River

Miller's Pursuit

As Victor walks away, Miller catches up with him, revealing his true motives. The pressure intensifies as Miller transforms from a friendly stranger to a relentless antagonist driven by greed and desperation.

Afternoon Wilderness

Tensions Escalate

With Lynn and Jeff unaware of Miller's pursuit, the tension among the friends boils over. Faced with the reality of their choices, each character's true nature is revealed, leading to consequential confrontations.

River

The Final Confrontation

In a dramatic encounter, Miller confronts Lynn and Jeff, intensifying the stakes of their fateful trip. The clash of desires and the struggle for the money culminate in a heart-pounding showdown with severe implications.

Evening Forest/River

Blood Money Characters

Explore all characters from Blood Money (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Lynn (Willa Fitzgerald)

Lynn is the central protagonist who faces significant personal challenges following a knee injury that derailed her athletic scholarship. Her discovery of the cash prompts her to reconsider her circumstances, revealing her desperation and ambition. Throughout the film, Lynn grapples with conflicting desires, ultimately leading her to make questionable choices.

👩‍🎓 Ambitious 💔 Vulnerable

Jeff (Jacob Artist)

Jeff serves as the friendliest member of the trio, striving to keep the peace among the group. His people-pleasing nature often leads him to compromise his own beliefs for the sake of others, particularly Lynn. This conflict comes to a head as he navigates his own priorities amidst the unfolding chaos.

⚖️ Peacemaker 🤝 Supportive

Victor (John Cusack)

Victor is characterized by his integrity and moral compass, symbolizing the voice of reason among the friends. He believes in turning the money in and upholding ethical standards, contrasting sharply with Lynn's ambitions and Jeff's desire to appease. His decisions serve as a catalyst for the growing tensions within the group.

🛡️ Responsible 🤔 Ethical

Miller (Ned Bellamy)

Miller represents the direct threat to the trio's dynamic, embodying desperation as he pursues the money he lost. His enigmatic presence shifts from friendly to antagonistic, illustrating the darker side of ambition and the lengths one will go for wealth. Miller's relentless pursuit heightens the film's tension and sense of danger.

💼 Ruthless 🚨 Desperate

Blood Money Settings

Learn where and when Blood Money (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The exact time period of the film is not specified, allowing for a timeless exploration of themes like greed and betrayal. The absence of specific dates places the focus on the characters' emotional journeys rather than a historical context.

Location

Mountain Wilderness, Riverbank

The movie is set in a breathtaking mountain wilderness, characterized by dense forests and wild rivers. This stunning backdrop serves as both a serene escape and a treacherous environment that magnifies the conflict among the characters. The riverbank becomes a pivotal location where the characters' fates intertwine through discovery and confrontation.

🏞️ Nature 🚣‍♂️ Outdoor Adventure

Blood Money Themes

Discover the main themes in Blood Money (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💰

Greed

The theme of greed is central to the plot, driving the characters into moral conflicts and challenging their friendships. Lynn's discovery of the money exacerbates tensions as each character reacts according to their motives. The wilderness setting amplifies this theme, illustrating how the desire for wealth can corrupt even the closest of relationships.

⚡

Betrayal

Betrayal arises as the characters navigate their differing perspectives on the found fortune. Victor's integrity clashes with Lynn's ambition, leading to inevitable conflicts that jeopardize their relationships. This theme highlights the complexities of trust and loyalty in high-stakes situations.

🚣‍♀️

Adventure

The rafting trip symbolizes adventure, representing both a physical journey and a metaphorical one into the depths of human nature. As the characters float down the river, moments of leisure quickly transform into a thrilling and dangerous pursuit that tests their resolve and decisions.

Blood Money Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Blood Money (2017). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In a sweeping, untamed landscape where towering pines claw at a sky bruised with dusk, three long‑time friends set out on what should be a simple escape from the noise of everyday life. The wilderness itself feels alive—its rushing river, hidden valleys, and the faint echo of distant wildlife create a backdrop that is both breathtaking and inherently precarious. The promise of adventure hangs in the air like mist, hinting at both serenity and the unpredictable danger that lurks just beyond the next bend.

Lynn is driven by a quiet determination, a resilience forged from past disappointments that fuels her yearning for a fresh start. Beside her, Jeff carries a warm, people‑pleasing nature, always ready to smooth tensions and keep the group’s harmony intact. Victor offers a steadfast moral compass, his integrity grounding the trio when uncertainty threatens to unravel them. Their contrasting personalities weave a dynamic tapestry of loyalty, ambition, and unspoken hope, each influencing the way they navigate the wild terrain. Lurking in the shadows of this remote world is Miller, a ruthless businessman whose single‑minded pursuit of what he believes is rightfully his adds a palpable undercurrent of menace to the otherwise tranquil setting.

The film balances the awe‑inspiring beauty of nature with a tense, pulse‑quickening undercurrent, inviting viewers to feel both the exhilaration of freedom and the pressure of an unseen hunt. As the friends encounter the hidden treasure that the wilderness guards, the story shifts from leisurely exploration to a strategic game of cat‑and‑mouse. The tone becomes a blend of breathless chase and quiet deception, where every decision is weighed against the looming threat of relentless pursuit. In this world of towering trees and rushing waters, the characters must rely on wits, trust, and sheer will to stay one step ahead, leaving the audience perched on the edge of anticipation.

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