Cut Bank 2015

Thriller

Box Office

$289K

Runtime

93 min

Language

English

Directed by

Matt Shakman

Made by

A24

Test your knowledge of Cut Bank with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Cut Bank (2015). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Dwayne Mclaren, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth, is a young auto mechanic and former high school football star eager to escape the confines of Cut Bank, Montana, a small town that stifles his ambitions. His pursuit of freedom triggers a chain of shocking events that will dramatically alter both his life and the future of the town. In his corner is Cassandra Steeley, his supportive girlfriend, played by Teresa Palmer, who encourages him every step of the way.

One seemingly normal day, Dwayne accidentally captures a chilling murder on his camera. The elderly USPS delivery man, Georgie Wits, played by Bruce Dern, becomes the victim, although his assailant remains cloaked in mystery. Dwayne shares the footage with Sheriff Vogel, portrayed by John Malkovich, after being urged by Cassandra’s father, Stan Steeley, played by Billy Bob Thornton. The shocking twist comes when it is discovered that Georgie faked his death, pulling strings with a Native American accomplice who hides Georgie’s truck.

As the plot thickens, a simple-minded man named Derby Milton, played by Michael Stuhlbarg, becomes embroiled in the escalating chaos while searching for a missed package believed to be linked to Georgie’s truck. Simultaneously, Stan expresses his desire to sell his land, a site integral to his spare parts business, and asks Dwayne to investigate. Little does Dwayne know, this land is where Georgie has been hiding post-‘death’ - and Dwayne finds himself entangled deeper than he ever anticipated.

As fate would have it, Dwayne is on the brink of a substantial payout from the USPS for his aid in the investigation led by Joe Barrett, played by Oliver Platt, who will release the funds upon confirming Georgie’s death. Derby’s investigation takes a dark turn when he inadvertently kills the Native American, unaware that he has employed this man at Dwayne’s shop.

Unbeknownst to them, Georgie’s tangled web of lies begins to unravel. In a shocking confrontation, Stan discovers Georgie’s hiding place and is met with near-fatal consequences. As the story spirals further into chaos, Derby becomes increasingly volatile, culminating in a desperate bid for Dwayne and Cassandra’s lives as he forces them to reveal the location of the elusive parcel. However, with quick thinking and courage, Sheriff Vogel arrives just in time to bring a violent standoff to an end.

In the aftermath, with hidden truths out in the open and alliances shifting, Vogel helps Dwayne grasp the real implications of seeking reward money, pushing him to rethink his choices. With the echoes of his original intentions lingering, Vogel urges Dwayne to leave Cut Bank behind and embark on a fresh journey with Cassandra towards a brighter future.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Cut Bank (2015) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Dwayne's Desire for Freedom

Dwayne McLaren, a young auto mechanic, dreams of escaping the mundane confines of Cut Bank, Montana. This small town stifles his ambitions, setting the stage for a series of shocking events that will change his life forever.

Cut Bank, Montana

The Accidental Murder Capture

One day, Dwayne unknowingly records a chilling murder with his camera, capturing the elderly USPS delivery man, Georgie Wits, becoming a victim. The incident triggers a convoluted investigation filled with mystery and intrigue.

Dwayne's Revelation to Sheriff Vogel

Urged by Cassandra's father, Stan Steeley, Dwayne shows the footage of the murder to Sheriff Vogel. This critical decision sets off a chain reaction of events that will entangle Dwayne and the town in deeper complexities.

Cut Bank, Montana

Georgie's Deception Uncovered

The investigation reveals a shocking twist: Georgie faked his own death with the help of a Native American accomplice. This revelation complicates Dwayne's situation as he realizes the depth of deception surrounding him.

Derby's Involvement

Derby Milton, a simple-minded man, becomes accidentally embroiled in the chaos while searching for a missed package connected to Georgie's truck. His innocent quest leads him deeper into the tangled web of events.

Stan Steeley's Business Plans

Meanwhile, Stan expresses his desire to sell the land integral to his spare parts business and enlists Dwayne's help to investigate. Unbeknownst to Dwayne, the land is where Georgie has been hiding since he faked his death.

Cut Bank, Montana

Potential Payout for Dwayne

Dwayne learns he could receive a substantial payout from the USPS for assisting in the investigation led by Joe Barrett. However, the situation becomes increasingly complicated as Georgie's web of lies begins to unravel.

Derby's Tragic Mistake

During his search, Derby inadvertently kills the Native American accomplice, not knowing he worked at Dwayne's shop. This tragic event further escalates the tension and danger surrounding Dwayne and his friends.

Stan's Shocking Discovery

In a shocking confrontation, Stan discovers Georgie's hiding place. The encounter quickly escalates, leading to dangerous consequences for Stan and putting Dwayne in a precarious position as he tries to protect his loved ones.

Derby's Desperation

As chaos reigns, Derby becomes increasingly volatile, putting Dwayne and Cassandra's lives at risk. He forcibly demands the location of the elusive parcel connected to Georgie's deception, heightening the tension.

Sheriff Vogel to the Rescue

Just as the situation reaches a breaking point, Sheriff Vogel arrives to bring the violent standoff to an end. His timely intervention prevents a potential tragedy and shifts the power dynamics in the unfolding drama.

Cut Bank, Montana

Truths Revealed

With the resolution of the violent standoff, hidden truths come to light, and Dwayne begins to fully comprehend the implications of seeking reward money. The events have deeply impacted his perspective on life and loyalty.

A New Beginning

In the aftermath of the chaos, Sheriff Vogel encourages Dwayne to leave Cut Bank behind and pursue a fresh start with Cassandra. As he contemplates their future, Dwayne finds hope amid the swirling memories of his past.

Cut Bank, Montana

Characters

Explore all characters from Cut Bank (2015). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Dwayne Mclaren (Liam Hemsworth)

Dwayne is a young, ambitious mechanic looking to break free from the limitations of his hometown. His well-meaning nature is thrust into chaos as unforeseen events spiral out of his control, forcing him to confront the consequences of his choices. He embodies the struggle between aspiration and the weight of his past.

🔧 Auto Mechanic 🏈 Football Star 🕵️‍♂️ Investigator

Cassandra Steeley (Teresa Palmer)

Cassandra serves as Dwayne's steadfast support throughout his tumultuous journey. Her encouragement and loyalty are pivotal for Dwayne as he faces dark revelations. She represents hope and resilience in a story fraught with chaos and uncertainty.

❤️ Supportive Partner 🌟 Hopeful 💪 Resilient

Sheriff Vogel (John Malkovich)

Sheriff Vogel plays a crucial role in navigating the aftermath of Dwayne's discovery. He embodies authority and wisdom, guiding Dwayne through a complex moral landscape. Vogel’s intervention highlights the potential consequences of seeking reward in a world steeped in deception.

👮‍♂️ Sheriff 🧠 Wise Mentor 🔄 Authority

Derby Milton (Michael Stuhlbarg)

Derby is a simple but deeply troubled character drawn into the unfolding chaos. His search for a missing package becomes a desperate endeavor, showcasing the unpredictability of his actions and the impact of his choices. His volatility adds tension to the narrative, culminating in tragic consequences.

😟 Simple-minded ⚡ Volatile 📦 Seeker

Setting

Learn where and when Cut Bank (2015) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Location

Cut Bank, Montana

Cut Bank is a small town in Montana, surrounded by vast landscapes and open skies. Known for its close-knit community and rugged terrain, it represents both a home and a stifling environment for those seeking greater ambitions. The town's isolation contributes to the unfolding drama, with its quiet streets hiding dark secrets.

🏞️ Landscape 🏘️ Small Town

Themes

Discover the main themes in Cut Bank (2015). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🔍

Discovery

The theme of discovery runs deep in 'Cut Bank', as Dwayne's accidental filming of a murder unravels a web of lies. Each revelation sheds light on the hidden dynamics of a seemingly ordinary town, illustrating how one unforeseen event can alter destinies. This journey of uncovering the truth ultimately leads to self-reflection and reevaluation of one's choices.

💔

Desperation

Desperation shadows the characters as they navigate their tumultuous circumstances. Dwayne's ambition leads to dangerous situations, and Derby Milton's frantic search reveals his inner turmoil. The chaotic chain of events pushes individuals to the brink, examining the lengths they will go to for survival and redemption.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.