New York 1988, Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) has changed his name to conceal his family connection to a long line of distinguished New York cops in order to pursue ambitions as a Brooklyn nightclub owner. As he turns a blind eye to the drug dealers around him, he comes face to face with the family he abandoned when his brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall) crack down on the club. Now Bobby must choose a side. Is he going to turn informant or will he help run the biggest crime ring in New York history?