The Place Beyond the Pines

Luke Glanton, a motorcycle stunt rider, drifting between gigs and small-town jobs, weighs the idea of committing a crime to give his partner Romina Gutierrez and their child a steadier life. The plan he contemplates draws him toward a collision with Avery Cross, a former police officer who has left the force to pursue public service in politics. The film follows these two men as their fates intertwine across years, tracing how one impulsive choice can ripple outward through families, neighborhoods, and reputations. Set against the backdrop of blue-collar pride and quiet ambition, it examines loyalty, risk, and what people will do for the ones they love without spelling out neat answers for anyone.

Directed by Derek Cianfrance from an original screenplay by Ben Coccio and Darius Marder, the Place Beyond the Pines premiered at film festivals in 2013 before wider release. Its intimate scope and intergenerational structure mark it as a standout, critically acclaimed drama.

Box office receipts total about 47.14 million worldwide on a 15 million budget, reflecting solid traction for a drama that leans into character and consequence rather than market scale. The numbers underscore its reach beyond indie circles.

Critics highlighted the film for its bold three-part narrative and strong performances from Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Rose Byrne. Its intergenerational lens on crime and fatherhood sparked discussions about legacy, responsibility, and the ways choices echo through communities long after the moment of impact.

Critics generally praised the film for its ambition and emotional weight, though some found the pace challenging. The story tightens around themes of family, moral ambiguity, and the long reach of one decision across generations. The performances are central, with Gosling and Cooper giving restrained yet intense portrayals that let the drama unfold through quiet, lived-in moments rather than loud revelations.