Dead Money (2024) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A poker player's pursuit of money turns into a dangerous chain of loss, concealment, and coercion.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Poker and the Raid

Andy approaches poker as a calculated pursuit and plays at Jack's private game. Armed men take the cash, leaving the group shaken and prompting an argument about the danger and the lost winnings.

Key Events

• Andy Weighs Poker Risks — Andy treats poker as mathematics and observation but knows luck can overturn calculations. Characters: Andy Location: Unspecified
• Private Game at Jack's — Andy plays at Jack's private game, hoping to make money. Characters: Andy, Jack Location: Jack's private game
• Armed Raid — Armed men raid the game and take the cash. Characters: Andy, Jack Location: Private poker game
• Argument After the Raid — Andy is angry about the lost money, while Kelly is alarmed that they nearly died. Characters: Andy Location: Unspecified

The Body and the Cover-Up

Andy and Wendel search for the people responsible and become involved with Uncle Lonnie's body. They dispose of it and try to cover their tracks.

Key Events

• Argument After the Raid — Andy is angry about the lost money, while Kelly is alarmed that they nearly died. Characters: Andy Location: Unspecified
• Search for Responsibility — Andy and Wendel try to find out who was responsible for the raid. Characters: Andy, Wendel AKA Shotgun Location: Unspecified
• Uncle Lonnie's Body — Andy and Wendel handle Uncle Lonnie's body; Wendel resists the physical work. Characters: Andy, Wendel AKA Shotgun, Uncle Lonnie AKA Revolver Location: Unspecified
• Covering Their Tracks — Andy and Wendel dispose of the body and attempt to conceal their actions. Characters: Andy, Wendel AKA Shotgun Location: Unspecified

A Return to the Tables

Andy returns to high-stakes poker and starts winning again. He encounters familiar faces and hears that Chloe is doing well.

Key Events

• Covering Their Tracks — Andy and Wendel dispose of the body and attempt to conceal their actions. Characters: Andy, Wendel AKA Shotgun Location: Unspecified
• Andy Wins Again — Andy returns to high-stakes poker and begins winning again. Characters: Andy Location: High-stakes poker game

Chloe as Leverage

Jack confronts Andy over the money and demands large sums for himself and his partner. He threatens Chloe to pressure Andy, and the excerpt ends without resolving the confrontation.

Key Events

• Jack Demands Money — Jack accuses Andy of taking about $200,000 and demands money while holding Chloe in his power. Characters: Andy, Jack, Chloe Location: Unspecified
• Unresolved Threat — Andy is pressured to comply, with Chloe's safety at stake; the confrontation remains unresolved. Characters: Andy, Jack, Chloe Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

• Poker and Risk — Andy views poker as a discipline but recognizes that luck can defeat careful calculations.
  • Mathematical Approach — Andy relies on mathematics and careful observation at the table.
  • Luck's Uncertainty — Andy knows that luck can overturn even strong calculations.
• The Private Game — Andy plays at Jack's private game hoping to make money, until armed men take the cash.
  • Playing for Winnings — Andy plays poker alongside Kelly and other players.
  • Armed Robbery — Armed men raid the game and take the money.
• After the Raid — The robbery leaves the group shaken and exposes different reactions to the danger.
  • Kelly's Alarm — Kelly is distressed that the group nearly died.
  • Andy's Anger — Andy focuses on the lost winnings and argues that the robbers were unlikely to shoot.
• The Body Cover-Up — Andy and Wendel pursue the question of responsibility and become involved in concealing Uncle Lonnie's body.
  • Searching for Answers — Andy and Wendel try to identify who was responsible.
  • Disposing of the Body — They dispose of Uncle Lonnie's body and attempt to cover their tracks.
• Return to Poker — Andy resumes high-stakes play and begins winning again before Jack's confrontation disrupts his recovery.
  • Winning Streak — Andy returns to high-stakes poker and starts winning.
  • News of Chloe — Andy hears that Chloe is doing well.
• Jack's Coercion — Jack accuses Andy of taking money and uses Chloe's safety to pressure him for payment.
  • Money Accusation — Jack accuses Andy of taking about $200,000 and demands money.
  • Threat to Chloe — Jack threatens Chloe to force Andy to cooperate, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

Directed by

Luc Walpoth

Key Cast

• Emile Hirsch — Andy
• David Keith — Jack
• India Eisley — Chloe
• Jackie Earle Haley — Wendel AKA Shotgun
• Rory Culkin — Uncle Lonnie AKA Revolver