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Overdrive (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Overdrive (2017) movie poster

Overdrive is a 2017 action and thriller film directed by Antonio Negret, running 1 hour 33 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 655 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 5 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Overdrive.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
5
themes explained
3
Overdrive (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m
Director
Antonio Negret
Genres
Action, Thriller
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Overdrive About?

The premise of Overdrive in 294 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sleek underworld of high‑performance automobiles, two half‑brothers make a living by turning priceless machines into fleeting profit. Andrew is the charismatic planner, always measuring the next move against a future he hopes will be steadier, while Garrett brings the technical finesse and a restless edge that keeps them one step ahead of the law. Their latest score lands them in the crosshairs of a ruthless crime boss who demands repayment, setting the stage for a race against time that could either free them or seal their fate.

The boss offers a deadly bargain: retrieve an unrivaled, ultra‑rare car within a single week, and their debt is erased. To pull off a job of such magnitude, the brothers must expand their tight‑knit partnership, inviting two enigmatic women into their fold. Stephanie, the loyal girlfriend with an instinct for opportunity, and Devin, a street‑smart pickpocket whose confidence hides deeper layers, add both tension and intrigue to the mix. Their presence hints at shifting loyalties and hidden motives, promising a dynamic already charged with personal stakes.

Set against sun‑baked Mediterranean backdrops and the glittering, secret garages of the elite, the film rolls out a world where luxury and danger are inseparable. The tone balances sleek, adrenaline‑fueled action with moments of sardonic humor, reflecting the brothers’ blend of professionalism and improvisation. Every rev of an engine, every whispered plan, feels like a heartbeat counting down toward an impossible deadline.

As the clock ticks, the ensemble must navigate a labyrinth of rival interests, unpredictable allies, and the ever‑looming threat of failure. The atmosphere is one of heightened anticipation—high‑speed chases, razor‑sharp wit, and an undercurrent of romance—leaving the audience eager to see whether the brothers’ daring gamble will triumph or implode in a blaze of steel and ambition.

Full plot

What Happens in Overdrive?

The complete story of Overdrive, from the first scene to the last, in 655 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Half-brothers Andrew Foster and Garret Foster lead a thrilling life as international car thieves, specializing in high-end automobiles. Their latest ambition takes a perilous turn when they steal a one-of-a-kind Bugatti, which they unwittingly snatch after its auction purchase in France for an astounding $41 million, not knowing it belongs to the infamous Marseille crime lord, Jacomo Morier.

Captured by Morier’s henchmen while attempting to offload the stolen car, the brothers find themselves at Morier’s lavish home. There, he reveals his impressive garage filled with exquisite cars and, to their horror, he prepares to execute them for their audacious crime. In a desperate bid for survival, they propose a deal to Morier: if they can procure a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO—valued at $38 million—from the ruthless businessman Max Klemp, they can redeem themselves. Morier accepts but imposes a stringent deadline of just one week to accomplish this grand heist.

Max Klemp, a mastermind of ruthlessness, graduated with an MBA at just 15 years old. He is known for his violent tactics in business, a reputation earned after inheriting his father’s company at 30 and being gifted the magnificent Ferrari 250 GTO. Morier’s disdain for Klemp grows after past business conflicts lead to Klemp encroaching on Morier’s territory in Marseille, a situation that Morier is determined to rectify.

With their plan set in motion, the brothers quickly assemble a team in Marseille, including Stephanie, Andrew’s girlfriend, and her resourceful friend Devin, who is skilled at pickpocketing. Andrew shares with Garret that this will be his last job before tying the knot with Stephanie. They also enlist Leon, a demolitions expert, and recruit four drivers for the endeavor. However, their efforts are complicated by Morier’s cousin Laurent, who is keeping a close eye on their activities, and the presence of two Interpol agents, Officer Depaul and Officer Closson.

After a tumultuous series of events, Garret begins to fall for Devin, who teaches him about trust in a world filled with deceit. In a clever maneuver, Andrew and Garret sabotage Klemp’s private plane’s propeller to secure a meeting with him, where they boldly volunteer to steal any vehicle he desires. In a strategic twist, they are drawn deeper into the web of deceit, weighing the merits of abandoning their dangerous heist.

Things take a dire turn when Morier’s men kidnap Stephanie, using her as leverage to ensure the brothers follow through with their plan. Frantically, Andrew and Garret race against time to rescue her, leading to a nail-biting cliffhanger where they find her in a precarious situation, bound and left in danger by Laurent.

As the robbery unfolds, Stephanie cunningly manages to escape her confinement, setting off alarms and arming herself before meeting the team at the door. Morier, who had insisted on being part of the intricate plan, remains blissfully unaware of the trap that has been laid for him.

In a dramatic twist of fate, the execution of the heist leads to a chase to the docks, where Andrew proposes to Stephanie, and she happily accepts. Ultimately, the brothers hand over all of Morier’s stolen cars to Klemp, revealing that they had orchestrated a larger scheme with him against Morier, as a shared vendetta.

With a final twist, it is revealed that the Interpol agents were also in league with Klemp. As the dust settles, we witness a nail-biting conclusion where Morier meets a tragic end, engineered by Devin’s clever maneuver.

Later, in the romantic ambiance of Paris, we see Garret, Stephanie, and Andrew together, and Garret’s initial fears of being stood up dissipate when Devin surprises them in Klemp’s Ferrari, handing the keys to Andrew. This gesture leaves Garret bewildered, leading to discussions of their next big score, as Stephanie tantalizes the group with the mention of a rare car in Barcelona—a mere nine exist worldwide. With newfound enthusiasm, Andrew chooses to join his unconventional crew, setting the stage for yet another audacious adventure.

Timeline

Overdrive Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Brothers' Life of Crime” to “A New Beginning”. 8 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    The Brothers' Life of Crime

    Andrew and Garret Foster lead a thrilling life as international car thieves, specializing in high-end automobiles. Their expertise in heists has led them to numerous daring escapades, making them renowned figures in the underground car theft scene.

  2. 2

    Stealing the Bugatti

    The brothers' latest job takes a perilous turn when they steal a one-of-a-kind Bugatti after its auction purchase in France. Unbeknownst to them, the car is valued at $41 million and belongs to the notorious crime lord, Jacomo Morier.

    Where:France

  3. 3

    Captured by Morier

    While trying to offload the stolen Bugatti, Andrew and Garret are caught by Morier's henchmen. They are taken to Morier's luxurious home, where he reveals an impressive collection of cars and an ominous fate awaits them for their audacious crime.

    Where:Morier's Home

  4. 4

    A Desperate Proposal

    Faced with execution, the brothers propose a deal to Morier: to retrieve a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO worth $38 million from the ruthless businessman Max Klemp. Morier agrees but gives them only one week to complete this daunting task.

  5. 5

    Learning About Klemp

    Max Klemp, a businessman with a violent reputation, has a history of encroaching on Morier's territory in Marseille. Knowing Klemp graduated with an MBA at just 15 years old, the brothers realize they are dealing with a formidable adversary.

    Where:Marseille

  6. 6

    Assembling the Crew

    To execute their plan, Andrew and Garret quickly assemble a team in Marseille including Stephanie, Andrew's girlfriend, and her resourceful friend Devin, who is skilled at pickpocketing. They also recruit drivers and a demolitions expert, Leon, to aid their heist.

    Where:Marseille

  7. 7

    Family Ties and Interpol Trouble

    As the brothers prepare for the heist, they find themselves under scrutiny from Morier's watchful cousin, Laurent. Additionally, two Interpol agents are lurking, complicating their operations and adding to the pressure of their already dangerous endeavor.

    Where:Marseille

  8. 8

    Falling for Devin

    During the planning process, Garret finds himself falling for Devin, who teaches him about trust amidst the treacherous world they inhabit. This unexpected relationship adds both emotional stakes and additional tension to their mission.

  9. 9

    Simulated Collaboration

    In a clever ploy, Andrew and Garret sabotage Klemp's private plane's propeller to secure a meeting with him. During the meeting, they boldly volunteer to steal any vehicle he desires, further entangling themselves in his dangerous world.

  10. 10

    Kidnapping of Stephanie

    The stakes rise when Morier’s men kidnap Stephanie to ensure the brothers follow through on their plan. Desperate to save her, Andrew and Garret find themselves racing against time, leading to a high-stakes confrontation.

Show the other 5 events of Overdrive
  1. 11

    The Great Escape

    In a thrilling twist, Stephanie manages to escape her captors, setting off alarms that draw attention away from the heist. Armed and determined, she reunites with the team just in time to strike back against Morier.

  2. 12

    The Heist Unfolds

    As the brothers move forward with the robbery, they execute their plan with precision, all while Morier is unknowing of the trap being laid for him. Tension mounts as the heist moves to its climax at the docks.

    Where:The Docks

  3. 13

    A Proposal Amid Chaos

    Amidst the chaos of the heist, Andrew seizes the moment to propose to Stephanie, who joyfully accepts. As the adrenaline of the heist peaks, their personal lives intertwine with the thrilling action around them.

    Where:The Docks

  4. 14

    Deceit and Alliances Revealed

    In a shocking turn of events, the brothers' scheme reveals that they had orchestrated a larger plan alongside Klemp to take down Morier. Their alliance unfolds a web of deceit that leaves everyone questioning their loyalties.

  5. 15

    A New Beginning

    With Morier's tragic end engineered by Devin's clever tactics, the dust settles on an eventful day. The trio, along with Garret, dreams of their next adventure, sparked by the mention of a rare car in Barcelona, igniting their passion for thrilling escapades.

    Where:Paris

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Overdrive?

5 characters, among them Andrew Foster (Scott Eastwood), Garret Foster (Freddie Thorp) and Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Scott Eastwood as Andrew Foster (Scott Eastwood) in Overdrive

    Andrew Foster (Scott Eastwood)

    Played by Scott Eastwood

    Andrew Foster is a daring international car thief with a sharp wit and a strong sense of loyalty. He is deeply in love with Stephanie, indicating his emotional depth beyond his criminal lifestyle. Andrew is motivated to successfully complete the heist, not just for survival, but also to secure a future with her.

    • 🚗 Car Thief
    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🧠 Strategic
  • GF

    Garret Foster (Freddie Thorp)

    Played by Freddie Thorp

    Garret is Andrew's half-brother, equally drawn into the life of crime but displays a softer side as he develops feelings for Devin. He is portrayed as adventurous yet conflicted, grappling with trust issues in their chaotic world. His character growth is highlighted by his budding romance and moments of vulnerability.

    • 🚗 Car Thief
    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🌪️ Adventurous
  • Simon Abkarian as Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian) in Overdrive

    Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian)

    Played by Simon Abkarian

    Jacomo Morier is the ruthless crime lord whose lavish lifestyle masks a violent temper. He seeks revenge against those who cross him, particularly towards Andrew and Garret, who unwittingly steal from him. Morier’s character embodies the dark consequences of crime and power struggles.

    • 💼 Crime Lord
    • 🐍 Ruthless
    • 🔫 Dangerous
  • Ana de Armas as Stephanie (Ana de Armas) in Overdrive

    Stephanie (Ana de Armas)

    Played by Ana de Armas

    Stephanie is Andrew's determined girlfriend who becomes a victim in a dangerous game between thieves and crime lords. Her resourcefulness and bravery shine through during tense moments, especially when she manages to outsmart her captors. She represents the emotional anchor in Andrew's life.

    • ❤️ Supportive
    • 🦸‍♀️ Brave
    • 💡 Resourceful
  • Clemens Schick as Max Klemp (Clemens Schick) in Overdrive

    Max Klemp (Clemens Schick)

    Played by Clemens Schick

    Max Klemp is a young CEO known for his violent business tactics. His intelligence and ruthlessness make him a formidable opponent, directly clashing with Morier. Klemp’s character adds depth to the film’s narrative of ambition, power, and the escalating dangers of the high-stakes world they inhabit.

    • 💼 Businessman
    • 🐍 Ruthless
    • 🧠 Intelligent
Setting

Where and When Is Overdrive Set?

Overdrive is set in France, Marseille, Paris and Barcelona. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The events unfold in contemporary times, with characters utilizing modern technology in their high-stakes heists. The luxury cars involved, such as the Bugatti and Ferrari 250 GTO, represent the modern era's obsession with speed, design, and status.

Where

France, Marseille, Paris, Barcelona

The movie takes place in various vibrant locations, primarily in France, including the bustling city of Marseille, known for its rich history and as a port city. The storyline weaves through the lavish homes of crime lords and the charming streets of Paris, ultimately teasing a future adventure in Barcelona, known for its unique architecture and car culture.

  • 🏙️ Urban
  • 🚗 Automotive
  • 🌍 International
Themes

What Are the Themes of Overdrive?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Greed, Love and Betrayal.

  1. 01

    Greed

    Greed plays a central role as the characters navigate their high-stakes world of car theft and deceit. The desire for wealth drives brothers Andrew and Garret into dangerous circumstances, ultimately leading to explosive consequences. The allure of rare cars symbolizes the lengths individuals will go to for material gain.

  2. 02

    Love

    Romantic love is intricately woven into the plot, particularly through Andrew and his girlfriend Stephanie. Their relationship highlights themes of commitment and sacrifice, especially when Stephanie is kidnapped, setting off a series of desperate actions to rescue her. The evolving relationship between Garret and Devin also showcases trust in a world filled with betrayal.

  3. 03

    Betrayal

    Betrayal permeates the narrative as characters navigate alliances and deceit. Morier's betrayal of trust, as well as the scheming of Interpol agents, creates a thrilling atmosphere of uncertainty. The brothers must constantly assess their relationships, questioning who can truly be trusted in their dangerous line of work.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Overdrive?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, high-stakes heist thriller filled with constant danger, car chases, and double-crosses, punctuated by moments of romance and culminating in a successful, celebratory conclusion.

  • adrenaline-fueled
  • suspenseful
  • daring
  • high-stakes
  • romantic
  • treacherous
  • heist
  • car theft
  • crime boss
  • double-crossing

Content notes: kidnapping, gun violence, physical violence, explosions.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch Overdrive

Stream it on Hoopla and Paramount Plus Essential, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

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FAQ

Overdrive Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Overdrive, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Overdrive about?

In the sleek underworld of high‑performance automobiles, two half‑brothers make a living by turning priceless machines into fleeting profit. Andrew is the charismatic planner, always measuring the next move against a future he hopes will be steadier, while Garrett brings the technical finesse and a…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Overdrive take place?

Overdrive is set in France, Marseille, Paris and Barcelona. The events unfold in contemporary times, with characters utilizing modern technology in their high-stakes heists.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Overdrive?

The story follows Andrew Foster (Scott Eastwood) (played by Scott Eastwood), Garret Foster (Freddie Thorp) (played by Freddie Thorp), Jacomo Morier (Simon Abkarian) (played by Simon Abkarian) and Stephanie (Ana de Armas) (played by Ana de Armas); the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Overdrive?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Greed, Love and Betrayal.

The themes explained

Who directed Overdrive?

Overdrive (2017) was directed by Antonio Negret and runs 1 hour 33 minutes.

Antonio Negret’s films

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