Two young friends growing up in 1970's Chicago attempt to tear away from their criminal abusive families only to get caught up in the underbelly of a vicious street gang.

SYNOPSIS:

Black List script coverage: “Finn and Cole grow up in a peculiar slice of the world. Their experiences are immersive. There's something mysteriously alluring about the two of them that feels magnetic. 1970’s Chicago is moody and gritty.

Finn and Cole are embedded in violence. They grow hardened and callused quickly, a necessary defense mechanism that helps them survive a rough upbringing.

But there are glimmers in all this darkness, too. Flashbacks from their childhood capture the nostalgic dog days of summer, the innocence of swimming pools and golf courses. Finn and Cole have a deep connection, and their friendship is a strength in the story.

The non-linear nature of the script offers an opportunity to explore their relationship extensively. They're both intricate and complicated, men bred to be vicious.

Audiences should spark significant debate about nature vs. nurture. There are some incredibly gritty shows of revenge, Richie's murder eye-popping in its violence. It's bleak and unforgiving -- and sometimes that relentlessness can be refreshing when so many stories eventually show mercy.

This idea feels high concept and its strength in prose matches it. It's very easy to get into and very difficult to get out of. It needs to be read to the final page.

The range of cast feels capable of drawing actors and audiences alike. It's buzzy because of its violence, and the disturbing, creative ways in which people seek their revenge. The right word of mouth could draw more curious viewers to the cinema to watch what happens with their own eyes. There could be an opportunity for a great director to helm this project, maybe even contribute to a final polish of the script that suits their directing style.”

G A N G S T E R S