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Plot Summary

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


Raymond J. Cutter, a second-generation petty thief, portrayed by John Travolta, finds himself in a desperate situation as he arranges his early release from prison to spend valuable time with his ailing son, Will Cutter, played by Tye Sheridan. Despite having just 10 months left on his sentence, Ray persuades his lawyer to negotiate with the dangerous mafia head, Keegan, who is demanding $50,000 in owed bribes to facilitate the deal. To regain his freedom, Ray takes on a perilous job for Keegan that could put everything at risk.

Keegan pressures Ray to forge a Monet painting within a tight timeframe of three weeks. This painting will soon be displayed at a gallery, and Keegan intends for Ray to steal the original and replace it with the counterfeit. If Ray refuses the job, Keegan threatens to send him back to prison. Reluctantly, Ray accepts this criminal task, however, he insists that Keegan must have a painting from 1875, the same size as the original Monet that measures 40 inches by 32 inches.

In the midst of this chaos, Ray confronts the grim reality that Will, now a young adult, faces a terminal brain tumor that cannot be surgically removed, leaving him with limited time to live. This knowledge intensifies Ray’s resolve to repay his debt to Keegan.

Meanwhile, Agent Paisley, expertly portrayed by Abigail Spencer, is on a mission to dismantle Keegan’s illicit operations. Having witnessed Ray’s secretive meetings with Keegan, she seeks to gather evidence against him. Disguised as a party girl, Paisley approaches Ray but he dismisses her, unaware of her intentions. Along with her investigation into Ray’s criminal past, Paisley uncovers the truth about Ray’s early release from prison, a culmination of deception that leaves him oblivious that Keegan had betrayed him years ago.

As Ray teams up with his father, John Cutter, played by Christopher Plummer, to fulfill Keegan’s dangerous demand, he confesses the rationale behind his actions. The emotional tension between Ray and Will escalates, especially as they encounter the Make A Wish foundation, which grants wishes to terminally ill patients. Will, initially embarrassed by the situation, slowly starts to respect Ray after learning about his financial struggles for their time together. Ray decides to be the “genie” and offers to fulfill three wishes for Will, with the first being a chance to see Kim, Will’s estranged mother played by Jennifer Ehle, who abandoned them during Will’s childhood.

Ray takes drastic measures to locate Kim, engaging in a physical confrontation with her former boyfriend to get her address. When he finally reunites Will with her, they share a meaningful day together at the park. When Will’s second wish involves a more adult desire, Ray, guided by the intention to support his son, leads him to an encounter that puts them in the crosshairs of Agent Paisley, who is keenly tracking their every move.

With the pressure mounting, Ray learns from a friend that Keegan is in trouble financially as his drug connections are unraveling. The situation becomes even more precarious when Paisley connects the dots of Ray’s release being a consequence of Will’s illness. As Ray and Will dive deeper into their forgery project, Ray comes to terms with both the danger surrounding him and the urgency of fulfilling Will’s final wish—to be a part of the heist.

On the day of the grand heist, Ray successfully creates the fake Monet and, utilizing his connections, skillfully navigates through the gallery’s security. However, his triumph is short-lived as Keegan reveals his true intentions to betray him. Following this betrayal, a nefarious turn of events unfolds involving Carlos, a notorious drug kingpin, who claims the stolen painting. In the aftermath, Ray finds an opportunity to redeem himself, alerting Agent Paisley about the real Monet hidden within Carlos’s hotel suite, a move that could potentially dismantle both Carlos and Keegan’s corrupt empire while returning the precious artwork to its rightful place.

Timeline

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


Raymond's Release from Prison

Raymond J. Cutter, a second-generation petty thief, manages to arrange his early release from prison. He convinces his lawyer to negotiate with the mafia boss Keegan, leading to the judge granting his appeal under dubious circumstances.

10 months before the main events Prison

Keegan's Demands

Upon his release, Ray learns that he owes $50,000 to Keegan for bribing the judge to secure his freedom. Keegan demands that Ray forge a Monet painting and return it in exchange for erasing the debt.

Will's Condition

Ray's son, Will Cutter, is revealed to have a brain tumor, which cannot be surgically removed. This sobering reality motivates Ray to fulfill Keegan's dangerous request so he can spend more time with his son.

Hospital

Agent Paisley's Investigation

Agent Paisley is introduced as a persistent investigator tracking Keegan's illegal activities. She approaches Ray at a bar, but he ignores her, unaware that she is keen on gathering evidence against the mafia boss.

Bar

Family Matters

Ray confesses to his father, John Cutter, the situation with Keegan and his need to forge the Monet to settle the debt. Together, they prepare for the daunting task ahead while grappling with their fraught family dynamics.

Make A Wish Foundation

Ray and Will observe the Make A Wish foundation's efforts at the hospital, which attempts to fulfill terminally ill patients' last wishes. Will is embarrassed by this and requests his father not to enroll him in the program.

Hospital

Kim's Reunion

Ray tracks down Will's estranged mother, Kim, and convinces her to reconnect with Will after telling her about his illness. They spend a day together, rekindling their bond despite the complex emotions involved.

Park

Second Wish Granted

To fulfill Will's second wish, Ray takes him to a brothel, hoping to grant him an experience before time runs out. However, the visit is fraught with danger as they are closely followed by Agent Paisley.

Brothel

Painting the Forgery

Ray, with the assistance of his father, begins the painstaking process of forging the Monet painting. They gather period art supplies and work together, all the while feeling the looming pressure of Keegan's deadline.

Ray's Workshop

Revelations About Keegan

Ray secretly meets Agent Paisley, who divulges information revealing that Keegan is the one who betrayed him years ago, leading to his imprisonment. This revelation complicates Ray's feelings about cooperating with law enforcement.

The Heist

On the day of the Monet's display, Ray and his friends execute the heist to steal the painting. They manage to bypass complex security systems, but tension runs high as the plan unfolds.

Day of the display Art Gallery

Betrayal

After delivering the forged painting to Keegan, Ray learns that Keegan intends to turn him in for the theft. Feeling cornered, Ray realizes he must outsmart the man who helped orchestrate his early release.

Confronting Carlos

Keegan delivers the fake Monet to Carlos, who has hired John to assess its authenticity. John's confirmation that the painting is a fake sets off a chain of events leading to Keegan's deadly downfall.

Carlos' Location

Turning the Tables

Ray meets with Paisley one last time, providing her critical information on Carlos and the real stolen Monet he possesses. This revelation sets in motion a potential arrest, giving Ray a chance to redeem himself.

Characters

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


Raymond J. Cutter (John Travolta)

Ray is a second-generation thief, motivated by desperation and love for his son. His character embodies practicality mixed with a desire for redemption as he navigates a morally compromised world. Ray struggles with the weight of his decisions, reflecting the conflict between familial loyalty and criminal obligations.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 🎭 Anti-hero 🖌️ Artist

Will Cutter (Tye Sheridan)

Will is a young adult facing terminal illness, whose relationship with Ray drives much of the emotional narrative. His resentment and eventual respect for Ray depict a complex character grappling with the reality of life and death. Will's wishes serve as pivotal moments that test their bond, illustrating a blend of youthful defiance and vulnerability.

❤️ Health 🧑‍🎤 Aspirations 🎭 Family

Agent Paisley (Abigail Spencer)

Agent Paisley is a determined investigator committed to dismantling Keegan's criminal empire. Her character represents the law's relentless pursuit of justice, often clashing with Ray's illegal pursuits. Paisley's evolving relationship with Ray adds layers of complexity, as she balances duty and personal convictions.

👮‍♀️ Law Enforcement 🎭 Determined 🕵️‍♀️ Investigator

Keegan (Anson Mount)

Keegan is the antagonist who manipulates Ray into criminal activities for his own gain. He embodies the dark aspects of organized crime, placing Ray in life-threatening situations while casting a sinister shadow over their plans. Keegan's character serves as a catalyst for Ray's struggles, highlighting the dangers of entanglement with the mafia.

💰 Greed 🎭 Villain 🔥 Manipulative

John Cutter (Christopher Plummer)

John is Ray's father and a former artist who assists Ray in the forgery mission. His character adds a layer of legacy and familial ties to the story, as he embodies the influence of art in their lives. John grapples with his own past while supporting Ray, creating a dynamic of mentorship and complicity.

👴 Father 🎨 Artist 🖌️ Mentor

Setting

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


Time period

Modern Day

The film is set in the contemporary era, characterized by both personal struggles and criminal undertakings. Modern technology is relevant in the story, particularly in security systems at galleries and tracking methods by law enforcement. This period amplifies the urgency of Ray's situation as he juggles family matters and illegal activities.

Location

Boston

Boston is known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. It serves as a backdrop for Ray's heist, where art theft intertwines with personal stakes. The city's cultural heritage makes it an appropriate setting for the film's themes of deception and creativity.

📍 Location 🎨 Art

Themes

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


🖼️

Art Forgery

Art forgery is central to the narrative, symbolizing deception and desperation. Ray's skills are tested as he must create a replica of a Monet under pressure. The theme explores the intersection of artistry and crime, questioning the nature of authenticity in both art and relationships.

💔

Family Struggles

The film delves into the complex dynamics between Ray and Will, underscoring themes of estrangement, regret, and reconciliation. Will's terminal illness brings urgency to their relationship, forcing Ray to confront his past and strive to fulfill his son's wishes. It captures the emotional weight of familial bonds amid dire circumstances.

🔒

Crime and Consequences

The narrative highlights the grim realities of crime, including the personal risks involved in illicit activities. Ray’s desperate actions stem from a mix of love for his son and coercion from the mafia. The film showcases the consequences of criminal choices and the moral dilemmas faced by those entangled in the underworld.

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