Vault 2019
Directed by
Tom DeNucci
Made by
Grindstone Entertainment Group
Vault Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Vault (2019). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Vault narrates the gripping tale of a band of small-time criminals during the tumultuous year of 1975. Their audacious goal? To execute the most ambitious heist in American history—absconding with over $30 million from the Mafia, all in the tiniest state in the nation: Rhode Island.
The story kicks off as Deuce](/actor/theo-rossi) and Chucky breach a local shop and make off with its cash. This chaotic encounter isn’t without complications; Karyn, who was working the register, isn’t pleased at being pulled into their reckless scheme. However, Deuce finds her fiery spirit intriguing. That very night, he brings her home to meet his mother, Dorothy Lyman, and sparks fly as they share a kiss.
As fate would have it, their criminal antics take a turn for the worse when their getaway driver panics during their next job, leading to their capture. Meanwhile, the local mob is ruled by Raymond, a man with a long history in organized crime. Gerry, an associate of Raymond’s and eager to climb the ranks, has aspirations of becoming a “made man,” but his requests fall on deaf ears.
In a twist of coincidence, Deuce and Chucky find themselves incarcerated in the same prison as Raymond and Gerry. Impressed by their fighting prowess during a brawl, Gerry takes them under his wing to wage war against Raymond. Upon their release, Gerry has big plans: orchestrating a heist at a fur shop that serves as a façade for the mob’s safety deposit boxes. He assembles a crew for Deuce and Chucky—comprised of Buddy Providence, Buddy Roxbury, and Buddy Barrington—all while maintaining anonymity by using first names based on their hometowns. The heist unfolds flawlessly, netting the crew a staggering $30 million in hidden mob funds.
Fast forward two months, and it seems like Deuce and Chucky have successfully evaded the law, enjoying the lavish lifestyle Las Vegas offers. But soon enough, the lavish life unravels; their team members are systematically eliminated one by one. Deuce grows suspicious of Gerry’s motives, believing he’s on a path of greed, looking to wipe out the crew to avoid paying them their promised share of $70,000 each.
The tension comes to a head when Chucky confronts Deuce with the intention to kill him. However, in a dramatic stand-off, Deuce realizes Chucky’s plan and turns the tables. An emotional reunion follows, but both men are left perplexed about their situation.
Ultimately, it is Karyn who becomes the unexpected whistleblower, leading to Deuce’s arrest. Detective Caretti informs him that Chucky was killed for failing to follow orders to eliminate Deuce. Heartbroken, Deuce confesses everything, only to be blindsided by the revelation that Chucky is alive, albeit in custody. Chucky receives a ten-year sentence for the heist, while Deuce’s cooperation grants him freedom, though their friendship is irreparably damaged.
In the aftermath, the money is never recovered; Raymond manages to reclaim his freedom, passing away in 1984. Gerry faces the consequences of his actions, serving a 10-year sentence for his involvement in the heist. Ultimately, it is revealed that Raymond orchestrated the robbery in a bid to assert control over the town. The stories of ambition, betrayal, and the high stakes of the criminal underworld culminate in a tale that is both riveting and tragic.
Vault Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Vault (2019) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
The First Heist
Deuce and Chucky kick off their criminal endeavors by breaching a local shop and making off with its cash. This initial attempt sets the tone for their reckless journey into the crime world, but it also introduces Karyn, a spirited cashier who gets unwittingly embroiled in their chaos.
A Romantic Encounter
After the heist, Deuce brings Karyn home to meet his mother. This intimate moment culminates in a kiss, hinting at a budding romance that will complicate Deuce's life further amidst the chaos of criminal activities.
Captured During a Job
During their next heist attempt, panic strikes when their getaway driver freezes, leading to their capture. This turning point forces Deuce and Chucky to face the consequences of their reckless actions and entangles them deeper into the criminal justice system.
Meeting the Mob
While incarcerated, Deuce and Chucky encounter the local mob boss, Raymond, and his ambitious associate, Gerry. This encounter allows Gerry to recognize their fighting skills, leading to an unexpected partnership formed within the prison walls.
Planning the Big Heist
Upon their release, Gerry reveals his grand plan for a heist at a fur shop, which is actually a front for the mob’s safety deposit boxes. As they plan, Gerry assembles a team while keeping their identities anonymous, solidifying the bond among the crew.
The Successful Heist
The crew executes the heist perfectly, managing to abscond with a staggering $30 million in hidden Mafia funds. This moment marks the pinnacle of their criminal success and serves as a basis for their lavish new lifestyles.
Life in Las Vegas
Two months after their successful heist, Deuce and Chucky enjoy the high life in Las Vegas. However, their newfound wealth soon becomes a source of paranoia as they start noticing their crew members disappearing one by one.
Growing Suspicion
As the body count rises, Deuce becomes increasingly skeptical about Gerry's intentions. He suspects that Gerry, motivated by greed, aims to eliminate their team to avoid sharing their promised reward, escalating tensions within the group.
Chucky’s Betrayal
The situation reaches a boiling point when Chucky confronts Deuce with the intention of killing him. In a twist of fate, Deuce manages to turn the confrontation around, leading to an emotional reconciliation between the two.
The Whistleblower
Karyn unexpectedly becomes the whistleblower, leading to Deuce's arrest by Detective Caretti. This shocking betrayal reveals the depths of deception within their criminal world and sets the stage for the unraveling of their lives.
Heartbreaking Confession
While in custody, Deuce confesses everything, only to face the shocking news that Chucky is still alive. This revelation complicates their already strained friendship and marks a significant shift in Deuce's fate.
Sentences Handed Down
In the aftermath of the heist, Chucky is sentenced to ten years in prison for his role, while Deuce's cooperation with authorities grants him freedom. Their bond, however, is forever altered by betrayal and mistrust.
The Mob’s Revenge
Despite the crew’s dramatic downfall, Raymond manages to regain his power over the town unscathed. His control solidifies his position in organized crime, illustrating the unforgiving nature of the criminal underworld.
Gerry's Fate
Gerry's ambition leads him to serve a ten-year sentence due to his involvement in the heist. His dreams of rising through the mob's ranks are dashed, a stark reminder of the consequences of their reckless ambitions.
A Tragic End
Raymond’s orchestrations come to light as he passes away in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of ambition and betrayal. The money from the heist is never recovered, underscoring the futility of their high-stakes gamble.
Vault Characters
Explore all characters from Vault (2019). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Deuce (Theo Rossi)
Deuce is a small-time criminal with a complex personality, characterized by his ambition and impulsive actions. His intriguing relationship with Karyn adds depth to his character as he navigates the treacherous waters of the criminal world. Throughout the story, he grapples with trust issues and the dire consequences of his decisions.
Chucky (Clive Standen)
Chucky is a loyal friend to Deuce, yet his character is defined by a simmering tension and complex motivations. As events unfold, his initial camaraderie turns into suspicion, revealing a darker side when his survival instinct kicks in. His journey reflects the chaotic nature of their lives and the high stakes of their choices.
Karyn (Samira Wiley)
Karyn is a fiery and independent character who becomes entwined in Deuce's life and schemes. Her initial resistance to their reckless behavior shows her strength, and a budding romance adds layers to her character. Ultimately, her actions have significant consequences for Deuce, making her a pivotal figure in the narrative.
Gerry (Don Johnson)
Gerry is an ambitious associate of the mob who seeks to climb the ranks through cunning plans. His character embodies the traits of a manipulator, as his desire for power results in betrayal and conflict. His authoritative presence shapes much of the film's tension and eventual fallout.
Raymond (Chazz Palminteri)
Raymond is the film's antagonist, a seasoned mob boss with a vast network and a ruthless approach to maintaining power. Despite his criminal background, he operates with a strategic mind, demonstrating how deeply the criminal underworld can influence individuals and their fate.
Vault Settings
Learn where and when Vault (2019) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
1975
The year 1975 was marked by significant events in American history, including social and economic upheaval. This tumultuous backdrop sets the stage for a tale of ambition and desperation, emphasizing the risks of living outside the law against the larger societal issues of the time.
Location
Rhode Island, Las Vegas
The movie takes place largely in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., known for its rich maritime history and vibrant coastal towns. The heist leads the characters to the glitzy atmosphere of Las Vegas, a city synonymous with gambling and excess, showcasing the stark contrast between their criminal activities and the opulence they desire.
Vault Themes
Discover the main themes in Vault (2019). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Betrayal
Betrayal permeates the film as friendships dissolve under the weight of greed and ambition. Deuce's distrust of Gerry leads to escalating tension and drama, which ultimately catalyzes tragic outcomes. The choices made by each character illustrate how the pursuit of wealth can irrevocably damage relationships.
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Crime
The film dives deep into the criminal underworld, portraying the audacious heist and its consequences. It highlights the allure of big scores versus the inevitable repercussions of such actions, creating a riveting narrative of crime and morality. The struggle for power and survival within this world is a central theme.
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Friendship
The complexities of friendship emerge as Deuce and Chucky's bond is tested amidst the chaos of their criminal endeavors. Their initial camaraderie is slowly eroded by distrust and the harsh realities of their choices. The film poignantly explores how ambitions can strain and ultimately destroy even the closest of relationships.
Vault Ending Explained
Unravel the ending of Vault (2019) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
Through the course of the film, it’s revealed that Walter is more interested in a small, seemingly insignificant set of three coins rather than the gold itself. These coins contain clues leading to the hidden location of Sir Francis Drake’s lost treasure. When Walter and his team finally find the coins, they realize that the real prize isn’t the gold in the vault but the map encoded in the coins. The treasure, buried beneath the Bank of London, is their next target. This twist shifts the focus from the expected loot to a much larger and legendary wealth.
In the final scenes, the team’s attempt to steal this new treasure is hinted to continue in a sequel. The movie suggests that Walter’s true goal was not just the gold but the discovery of Drake’s legendary fortune, which he believed was greater than what he initially appeared to seek. The film ends with the team setting their sights on London, leaving their current mission behind for what promises to be their next big heist. Despite its flaws and predictable twists, the ending implies that the story isn’t fully over—that this was just the beginning of a larger adventure.
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