: If you find a version labeled as "Unrated," it contains more graphic violence and additional story beats not seen in the theatrical release. Director's Cameo

The story begins with Carter Verone, a happily married man with a young daughter, whose life is turned upside down when his family is brutally murdered during a home invasion. The police investigation that follows seems to be mishandled, and the perpetrators are not brought to justice.

: There is a long-standing (though unverified) rumor that the ending was changed because Jamie Foxx demanded his character "win". However, screenwriter Kurt Wimmer has stated that the scripts varied wildly and multiple versions were considered. The Unrated Director's Cut

Carter discovers that the killer, a young man named Darius (Faran Tahir), has been set free due to a technicality. Frustrated by the justice system's failure, Carter takes matters into his own hands. He kidnaps Darius, subjecting him to a form of torture to extract a confession.

The movie follows Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), a model citizen turned vigilante after his family is brutally murdered by an ex-judge, Nick Cheevers (Jamie Foxx), who is convicted and later paroled. Disillusioned by the legal system, Clyde meticulously plans a campaign of revenge against every person connected to the killer's acquittal, including corrupt cops, lawyers, and the judge himself. The narrative shifts between the legal proceedings of the original crime and Clyde's methodical retribution, culminating in a morally complex climax.