Lawless 2012
“When the law became corrupt, outlaws became heroes.”
What is Lawless?
The Bondurant brothers operate a business in Franklin County, Virginia, in the early 1930s. Their establishment serves as a front for a clandestine activity, with the brothers working together to maintain their operation.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2012
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 115 minutes
- Release date
- Aug 29, 2012
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- United States of America
- Studios
- Benaroya Pictures, Yucaipa Films, Annapurna Pictures
- Budget
- $26,000,000
- Revenue
- $55,404,207
- Genres
- Crime, Drama, Western
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Stream
Free
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Rent
Buy
Stream
With ads
Rent
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Rent
Buy
Stream
Free
Rent
Buy
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
Trailer
Overview
The Bondurant brothers operate a business in Franklin County, Virginia, in the early 1930s. Their establishment serves as a front for a clandestine activity, with the brothers working together to maintain their operation. The local authorities have been bribed, allowing the brothers to continue their business without interference. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when a law enforcement officer from Chicago arrives, intent on shutting down the Bondurants' operation. This newcomer brings a violent approach, sparking a conflict with the brothers. The Bondurants, consisting of a middle brother who serves as the brains of the operation, an older brother who provides physical strength, and a younger brother who acts as a lookout, must navigate this new threat and protect their business.
Should you watch it?
“Bootlegging brothers clash with a ruthless Chicago lawman in 1930s Virginia.”
- Atmospheric 1930s setting and Southern Gothic style
- Strong performances by Tom Hardy and Shia LaBeouf
- Directed by John Hillcoat with vivid cinematography
- Violent and brutal scenes may be intense
- Pacing can feel slow for some viewers
Watch it if you enjoy gritty period crime dramas with intense action.
The film is violent and contains mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Lawless — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Lawless worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
What time period does Lawless take place in?
Lawless is set in 1931 during the Prohibition era in Virginia.
Who directed Lawless?
The film was directed by John Hillcoat.
Who wrote the screenplay for Lawless?
Nick Cave is credited as the writer of the screenplay.
What genre best describes Lawless?
It is an American Southern Gothic gangster film that blends crime, drama, and western elements.
Which actors star in Lawless?
The cast includes Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Jason Clarke, and Gary Oldman.