Shot Caller is a crime thriller directed Ric Roman Waugh and released in 2017. The film stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jacob Harlon, a successful businessman whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic incident leads to his imprisonment. The film explores themes of crime, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life behind bars.

Plot Overview:

The story centers on Jacob Harlon, who is living a seemingly perfect life as a family man and successful entrepreneur. However, his life spirals out of control when he is involved in a fatal car accident while driving under the influence. Faced with a harsh prison sentence, Jacob is thrust into the violent and brutal world of a maximum-security prison.

To survive in this dangerous environment, Jacob must adapt quickly. He transforms from a law-abiding citizen into a hardened inmate known as “Money”. As he navigates the treacherous prison landscape, he gets drawn into the gang culture that dominates the prison system, aligning himself with a powerful gang to gain protection and status.

As Jacob rises through the ranks, he faces difficult choices that test his morals and values. The film highlights the toll that prison life takes on him, including the impact on his family and his previous life. The story explores the complexities of loyalty, as Jacob struggles with the criminal lifestyle while trying to maintain a connection with his wife, Christine (played by Lake Bell), and their son.

Themes:

Shot Caller delves into several significant themes:

Transformation and Identity: The film portrays Jacob’s transformation from a businessman to a hardened criminal, exploring how circumstances can change a person’s identity. It raises questions about the nature of choice and the impact of environment on behavior