Directed by
George Tillman Jr
Made by
CBS Films
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Faster (2010). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
On his release from prison, James “Jimmy” Cullen (Dwayne Johnson) retrieves his cherished 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle along with a gun and a list of names. He heads to a telemarketing office in Bakersfield, California, where he coldly eliminates a man named Prescott Ashton (Courtney Gains). Soon after, he meets Roy Grone (Mike Epps), who had provided him with the car and weapon, and coerces him into revealing additional names on his hit list. Meanwhile, detectives Cicero (Carla Gugino) and Humphries (Billy Bob Thornton) are hot on Cullen’s trail, while a hitman known as “Killer” (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) is brought in to take him out.
Humphries is a desperate heroin addict nearing retirement, driven by his need for a full pension and benefits. Cicero, a diligent officer, harbors resentment towards Humphries and begins piecing together the mystery surrounding Ashton’s murder from a CCTV recording, discovering that Cullen is connected to the crime. As he continues his vengeful path, Cullen finds his second target, Kenneth Tyson (John Cirigliano), notorious for making personal snuff films. Following another violent confrontation, Cullen narrowly escapes a gunfight with the obsessed hitman, Killer.
This incident deeply affects Killer, who is already dealing with his own personal demons. Having fought through childhood polio and becoming a perfectionist, he takes his mission against Cullen very personally since he can’t shake the feeling that Cullen has outpaced him and showed no fear. As the investigation into Cullen’s past unfolds, we learn that he had been double-crossed during a robbery. Once a talented driver in a crew that fell victim to a setup, Cullen narrowly survived a brutal incident that resulted in the death of his half-brother, Gary (Matt Gerald), captured on video.
Haunted by the past, Cicero remembers a key detail from that fateful video. Cullen is methodically hunting down all those involved. He visits his former girlfriend, Nan Porterman (Jennifer Carpenter), who knows about his killing spree, wishing him well as she has moved on to start a family. His mission leads him to a strip club in Nevada, where he confronts Hovis Nixon (Lester Speight), another player in his brother’s demise, stabbing him but leaving him alive—though injured.
Anticipating Cullen’s next move, both Humphries and Killer converge on the hospital to prevent further bloodshed. However, Cullen successfully executes Nixon during surgery. Despite an encounter with Humphries, who almost brings him down, Cullen spares him upon seeing his badge. A high-speed chase ensues between Cullen and Killer, culminating in a precarious shooting incident that leaves Cullen wounded.
Torn by the belief that his father betrayed him and Gary, Cullen learns from his mother, Mrs. Cullen (Annie Corley), that his father passed away years back and was incapable of executing such a betrayal. A family photo reveals connections between Gary’s former girlfriend and Humphries, adding layers to the bitter family drama. As Cullen confronts the last name on his list, Alexander Jerrod (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a reformed evangelist, he is unexpectedly spared after a heartfelt plea for forgiveness.
This twist leads to a fateful confrontation with Killer. Just as tensions escalate, Cicero uncovers the truth behind the video that left Cullen scarred; it turns out all his targets were police informants whose cases were managed by Humphries. In a tragic turn of events, as Killer and Cullen face off, Humphries steps in, shooting Cullen in an attempt to clean up the mess. However, thanks to his previous injuries, Cullen survives and retaliates, leaving Humphries dead along with the truth of his betrayal.
In a gripping finale, Cullen scatters Gary’s ashes at sea before driving off into the sunset, while Killer returns to his girlfriend, Lily (Maggie Grace), as Jerrod embarks on a sermon about forgiveness, tying a poignant end to a tale steeped in vengeance and redemption.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Faster (2010) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Release from Prison
James 'Jimmy' Cullen is finally released from prison, marking the beginning of his vengeful journey. With his freedom, he retrieves his prized 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, a gun, and a list of names that signal his intent for retribution.
First Target: Prescott Ashton
Cullen heads to a telemarketing office in Bakersfield, California, where he coldly executes his first target, Prescott Ashton. This act of violence sets the tone for Cullen's deadly pursuit of those he believes wronged him.
Meeting Roy Grone
Cullen meets with Roy Grone, who had previously provided him with the car and weapon. Under coercion, Grone discloses additional names on Cullen's hit list, showing the depth of Cullen's plans for revenge.
Detectives on the Case
Detectives Cicero and Humphries are introduced as they begin to track Cullen, drawing conclusions from the CCTV footage of Ashton's murder. Their investigations put them on a collision course with Cullen as he continues his killing spree.
Targeting Kenneth Tyson
Cullen locates his second target, Kenneth Tyson, known for his disturbing personal snuff films. Following a violent confrontation, Cullen narrowly escapes a gunfight with the relentless hitman known as 'Killer.'
Killer's Personal Struggle
Killer finds himself deeply affected by his encounter with Cullen. Struggling with past demons, including childhood polio, he becomes obsessed with proving himself capable of taking down Cullen.
Exploring Cullen's Past
As the investigation unfolds, details about Cullen's past emerge, revealing he was double-crossed during a heist that resulted in his brother's death. This tragic history fuels his quest for revenge.
Visit to Former Girlfriend
Cullen visits his former girlfriend, Nan Porterman, who acknowledges his drastic choices. Despite having moved on, she offers her best wishes, highlighting the emotional toll his path of vengeance has taken on his relationships.
Confrontation at the Strip Club
Cullen tracks down Hovis Nixon at a strip club in Nevada, confronting him about his involvement in his brother's demise. He brutally stabs Nixon, but chooses to leave him alive, underscoring Cullen's chilling sense of mercy.
Hospital Showdown
In a tense moment, both Humphries and Killer converge on the hospital aiming to prevent further bloodshed. However, Cullen manages to execute Nixon during surgery, escalating the stakes in his vendetta.
The High-Speed Chase
A high-stakes chase unfolds between Cullen and Killer after Cullen encounters Humphries. The pursuit ends in chaos as Cullen is injured but manages to escape, showcasing the relentless nature of his enemies.
Family Revelations
Cullen learns from his mother that his father, whom he believed betrayed him and Gary, passed away long ago. This revelation complicates the emotions driving his revenge and adds depth to his character's turmoil.
Final Confrontation with Alexander Jerrod
As Cullen confronts his final target, Alexander Jerrod, a reformed evangelist, a heartfelt plea for forgiveness leads to an unexpected outcome as Cullen spares him, emphasizing the potential for redemption amidst his path of vengeance.
Truth Uncovered
Just before the climax, Cicero uncovers the truth behind a haunting video, realizing Cullen's targets were police informants. This discovery adds layers to the investigation and highlights the complexities of Cullen's revenge.
The Climactic Showdown
In the film's gripping finale, Cullen and Killer face off in a tense battle. As chaos ensues, Humphries intervenes, leading to a tragic conclusion where Cullen survives but leaves a trail of dead bodies behind, including Humphries.
Cullen's Farewell
Cullen scatters his brother Gary's ashes at sea, an emotional closing to his journey. As he drives off into the sunset, Killer returns to his girlfriend, and Jerrod prepares to preach about forgiveness, providing a poignant end to the film.
Explore all characters from Faster (2010). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
James 'Jimmy' Cullen
Cullen is a determined and hardened man seeking vengeance for past betrayals that led to his half-brother's death. With a stoic demeanor and a ruthless approach, he embodies the emotional scars of his tragic history. His journey is marked by violence and introspection, leading him to confront not only his enemies but also the complexities of forgiveness.
Humphries
Humphries is a weary detective driven by his addiction and desperation for retirement benefits. His character reveals the darker side of law enforcement under pressure, showcasing both his vulnerability and moral ambiguity. As the story unfolds, his association with Cullen becomes intricate, revealing layers of betrayal and the consequences of his choices.
Killer
Killer is a hired hitman grappling with the ghosts of his past, marked by his childhood struggles and persistent obsession with perfection. His professional mission becomes personal as he faces Cullen, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. This complexity adds depth to his character, showcasing his internal conflict amidst a violent backdrop.
Learn where and when Faster (2010) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film does not specify an exact time period but unfolds in a contemporary setting that reflects modern-day societal issues such as crime, addiction, and personal vendettas. This contemporary backdrop adds urgency to the revenge narrative, capturing the struggles of its characters in a recognizable world.
Location
Bakersfield, California, Nevada
Bakersfield, California, is a city known for its rich agriculture and music scene, often referred to as a gateway to the vast Central Valley. It provides a backdrop for the intense action in 'Faster,' as the protagonist navigates through urban landscapes seeking revenge. Nevada serves as the setting for a strip club, highlighting the city's notorious nightlife and the darker elements of the plot.
Discover the main themes in Faster (2010). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Vengeance
The driving force behind Cullen's actions is vengeance for his brother's death, creating a dark narrative that explores the consequences of seeking retribution. This theme is underscored by the interconnected pasts of the characters involved, raising questions about justice and morality. The personal toll of vengeance is portrayed through Cullen's relentless pursuit of those who wronged him.
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Redemption
Amidst the chaos and violence, the theme of redemption emerges, especially in Cullen's final encounter with Jerrod, where forgiveness is offered over revenge. This twist suggests that even those entrenched in a cycle of violence can seek a path towards redemption. The characters' arcs reveal that confronting one's past, rather than ignoring it, is essential for healing.
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Corruption
Corruption within the police force is a prominent theme, illustrated through Humphries’ struggles with addiction and the flawed justice system. The film critiques how personal failures can lead to broader systemic issues, intertwining the characters’ fates with the failures of authority. This theme deepens the narrative by showing how personal and institutional corruption fuels the cycle of violence.
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