Directed by
Sam Miller
Made by
Screen Gems
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for No Good Deed (2014). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In the gripping opening sequence, we witness a news report detailing the criminal background of Colin Evans (Idris Elba), who is vying for parole after serving five years for a manslaughter conviction that involved the brutal slaying of a man and five women. During his testimony before the parole board, Colin expresses remorse for his past actions, insisting that he is ready to reintegrate into society. However, the board’s chairman remains unconvinced, branding Colin a malignant narcissist and violent offender, stating the families of his victims would never accept his release. The chairman’s harsh words resonate ominously in Colin’s mind, ultimately leading to his parole being denied.
As Colin is transported back to prison, he feigns injury with a bloody nose and requests assistance. In a shocking turn of events, he seizes a guard’s gun, puts him in a headlock, and swiftly takes control of the situation, leading to a fatal escape when he shoots both the guard and the driver.
Meanwhile, we meet Terri Granger (Taraji P. Henson), as she juggles life at home with her baby Sam while trying to manage a phone call amidst the chaos of landscapers outside and her daughter Ryan (Mirage Moonschein) playing nearby. Terri’s best friend Meg (Leslie Bibb) arrives, noticing Terri’s overwhelming stress, and suggests a girls’ night. Later, Terri’s husband Jeffrey (Henry Simmons) returns home, exuding impatience as he prepares for a trip, despite professing his love for her.
Colin, now in Atlanta, drives a van, stalking a woman named Alexis (Kate Del Castillo). He brazenly breaks into her home and confronts her about an alleged betrayal. The tension escalates to a horrific climax as Colin brutally murders her, echoing the critical voices of his past.
That evening, a storm begins to brew as Terri prepares dinner for her children. After crashing his van, Colin finds his way to Terri’s home under the pretense of needing help. Graciously, Terri invites him in, unaware of his true intentions. As Colin interacts with her and her daughter Ryan, he presents himself as charming and polite, discussing his past heartbreak. However, the atmosphere shifts when Meg arrives, and Colin, suddenly malevolent, murders her with a shovel, concealing her body while Terri remains unsuspecting.
As Terri becomes aware of Meg’s absence, she grows increasingly alarmed at the unsettling signs in her home—cut phone lines and missing knives. The tension mounts when Colin is discovered with Ryan, leading to a desperate confrontation where Terri fights back with a fire extinguisher, trying to protect her children.
Colin forces Terri to drive him away while a terrifying sequence unfolds wherein she attempts to alert a police officer of her perilous situation. Tragically, Colin’s ruthlessness is showcased as he kills the officer, further entrenching Terri in a nightmare.
Forced to return to Alexis’s home, the depth of Colin’s revenge becomes clear as he takes delight in tormenting Terri, tying her up. But with quick thinking, Terri manages to escape her bindings, revealing a shocking revelation of revenge that deepens the tension. As Colin discovers her intent to protect her children, a fierce struggle ensues, advocating for both survival and justice.
In a climactic battle, Terri bravely fights Colin, injuring him before seizing his gun and firing multiple shots until he crashes through the window. As the weight of horror lifts, the police arrive alongside Jeffrey, but the confrontation leaves Terri feeling betrayed.
Time passes, and Terri moves to a new home with her children, carrying the weight of her past but beginning to forge new connections while cherishing memories of her fallen friend Meg. The new chapter is marked by sunny afternoons at the park, symbolizing hope and resilience in the aftermath of darkness.
Follow the complete movie timeline of No Good Deed (2014) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Colin's Parole Hearing
In a tense opening scene, Colin Evans attends a parole hearing after serving five years for manslaughter. Despite expressing remorse and a desire to reintegrate into society, the parole board's chairman labels him a malignant narcissist, ultimately resulting in his denied application for release.
Colin's Escape from Prison
As he is transported back to prison, Colin manipulates the guards by feigning an injury. In a shocking twist, he overpowers them, seizes a guard's weapon, and executes a lethal escape by shooting both the guard and the driver.
Terri's Chaotic Home Life
Meanwhile, Terri Granger manages her hectic home life while caring for her baby Sam. As she juggles tasks and phone calls, her best friend Meg suggests a girls' night, recognizing Terri's stress as her husband prepares for a trip.
Colin's Stalking of Alexis
Now free, Colin drives a van in Atlanta, stalking a woman named Alexis. In a brazen act, he breaks into her home, confronting her about a perceived betrayal, which escalates into a brutal murder, continuing the narrative of his violent past.
Colin's Deception
After crashing his van during his escape, Colin seeks help at Terri's home. He charms her with his polite demeanor, discussing heartbreak, all the while hiding his sinister intentions.
Meg's Tragic Fate
The atmosphere in Terri's home shifts when her friend Meg arrives unexpectedly. Colin's facade drops as he violently murders Meg with a shovel, hiding her body while Terri remains blissfully unaware of the impending danger.
Signs of Danger
As time passes, Terri begins to notice unsettling signs that something is wrong. Cut phone lines and missing knives heighten her anxiety, and she grows concerned over Meg's unexplained absence.
Confrontation with Colin
The tension escalates when Colin is found with Terri's daughter Ryan. A fierce confrontation ensues where Terri musters her courage and fights back using a fire extinguisher in a desperate attempt to protect her children.
Terri's Abduction
Colin forces Terri to drive him away from her home, and during a terrifying sequence, she tries to alert a passing police officer. However, Colin proves ruthless as he kills the officer, plunging Terri deeper into chaos.
Return to Alexis's Home
Colin brings Terri back to Alexis’s house, reveling in tormenting her as he ties her up. The stakes rise as Terri plots her escape, revealing her own fierce determination to protect her children amidst the horror.
Climactic Battle
In a climactic showdown, Terri confronts Colin, injuring him and seizing his gun. In a desperate struggle for survival, she fires multiple shots, leading to Colin crashing through the window in a final act of defiance.
Aftermath and Betrayal
As the police and Terri's husband Jeffrey arrive, the situation becomes chaotic. Terri feels betrayed by Jeffrey, having just survived a horrific ordeal while grappling with the emotional toll of the night's events.
A New Beginning
Time passes, and Terri decides to move to a new home, seeking to start fresh with her children. Though she carries the trauma of the past, she begins to forge new connections while cherishing memories of her friend Meg.
Symbol of Hope
The new chapter in Terri's life is symbolized by sunny afternoons at the park with her children. These moments reflect her resilience and the hope that emerges from the darkness she has endured.
Explore all characters from No Good Deed (2014). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Colin Evans (Idris Elba)
Colin Evans is a deeply troubled individual whose past is marred by violent crimes. Despite his attempts to show remorse during his parole hearing, his manipulative nature surfaces as he orchestrates a chilling escape and subsequent acts of violence. He embodies the conflict between a desire for redemption and the inherent darkness that drives his actions.
Terri Granger (Taraji P. Henson)
Terri Granger is a resilient mother balancing her domestic life with the stress of unforeseen danger. Her character showcases strength and vulnerability as she navigates the terror brought into her home. Terri's protective instincts for her children propel her into a fight for survival against Colin, highlighting her fierce determination and love.
Learn where and when No Good Deed (2014) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, showcasing modern societal issues, including crime, domestic life, and the struggle for safety. The circumstances surrounding the characters reflect current themes of trust and distress within family settings.
Location
Atlanta
Atlanta is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. It serves as a hub for various industries and has a mix of urban life alongside suburban neighborhoods. The city plays a critical role in the plot, providing both the backdrop for intense drama and the character exploration of safety and betrayal.
Discover the main themes in No Good Deed (2014). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Violence
Violence is a central theme as the movie unfolds with shocking acts that reveal the darkest aspects of human nature. Colin's criminal history and violent outbursts propel the narrative forward, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and fear. The impact of violence extends beyond physical harm, deeply affecting the victims' families and communities.
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Family
Family serves as a pivotal theme, contrasting the safety Terri seeks for her children against the chaos brought by Colin. Terri's dedication to protecting her family drives her actions throughout the film, emphasizing the lengths a mother will go to for her children's safety. The intrusion of a violent criminal into her home tests the bonds and love within her family.
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Justice
The theme of justice is explored through the societal system's failures, highlighted by Colin’s parole hearing. The pursuit of justice escalates as the narrative unfolds, featuring Terri's fight for survival and her quest to ensure Colin faces repercussions for his actions. The film raises questions about moral justice amidst personal turmoil.
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