David Ayer

Following a corrupt narcotics operation, a rookie officer confronts his veteran mentor about the cold-blooded murder of an informant. The veteran detective attempts to justify his actions as a necessary evil for the 'greater good' while offering the rookie a path to power within his unit.

Alonzo takes his rookie partner Jake into a dangerous neighborhood to demonstrate his influence and the reality of street-level policing.

While playing cards, Smiley reveals to Jake the true, desperate nature of Alonzo's situation. He explains that Alonzo is deep in debt to the Russian mafia after a violent outburst in Vegas and is currently on a hit list unless he pays a massive sum by midnight.

Alonzo attempts to manipulate Jake into covering up a murder and robbery, justifying his corrupt actions as necessary police work.

A veteran narcotics officer intimidates his new rookie partner, challenging his idealistic views and demanding total commitment to his methods.

Following a corrupt operation, veteran detective Alonzo attempts to manipulate his rookie partner Jake into accepting blood money and joining his inner circle. Alonzo challenges Jake's morality and offers him a path to power, while Jake struggles with the realization that his mentor is a criminal.

Alonzo recounts a formative and disturbing memory from his early days on patrol involving animal abuse and systemic racism within the force.

Jake confronts his corrupt mentor Alonzo, refusing to surrender evidence while Alonzo desperately tries to manipulate and intimidate him.

A veteran narcotics officer coerces a rookie partner into smoking PCP-laced marijuana to test his loyalty and survival instincts.