Obsessive master thief Neil McCauley leads a top-notch crew on various daring heists throughout Los Angeles while determined detective Vincent Hanna pursues him without rest. Each man recognizes and respects the ability and the dedication of the other even though they are aware their cat-and-mouse game may end in violence.

Spanning the years 1988–2000, this sequel/prequel will explore the lives of homicide detective Vincent Hanna and criminals Neil McCauley and Chris Shiherlis years before their paths cross in 1995, and will follow Shiherlis and Hanna's lives in the aftermath of McCauley's death.