The story begins with Jake Vig (played by Edward Burns), a skilled con artist who leads a team of fellow grifters, including Gordo (played by Paul Giamatti), Miles (played by Brian Van Holt), and Big Al (played by Louis Lombardi). Together, they execute elaborate scams and cons to make a living in Los Angeles.
One day, Jake and his crew con a corrupt banker named Lionel Dolby (played by Leland Orser), who works for crime boss Winston King (played by Dustin Hoffman). Unbeknownst to Jake, Lionel is murdered shortly after the con, and the blame falls on him and his crew.
Fearing for their lives, Jake and his team seek refuge from Winston, who offers them a chance to make amends by pulling off an even bigger con. Winston wants Jake to scam Morgan Price (played by Robert Forster), a ruthless businessman who is laundering money for a powerful crime syndicate.
With the help of Lily (played by Rachel Weisz), a femme fatale with ties to Morgan, Jake and his crew set out to execute the elaborate con. As they delve deeper into the scheme, they must navigate a dangerous web of lies, double-crosses, and betrayals, all while staying one step ahead of Winston and his enforcers.
As the con unfolds, Jake begins to develop feelings for Lily, despite knowing that she may be playing him for her own gain. Meanwhile, tensions rise within the crew as suspicions mount and loyalties are tested.
In a climactic twist, it is revealed that Lily is actually an undercover FBI agent working to bring down Winston and his criminal empire. She has been using Jake and his crew as pawns in her own con to gather evidence against Winston and bring him to justice.
In the final act of the film, Jake and his crew confront Winston and his men in a tense showdown, where alliances are shattered, and secrets are revealed. With Lily’s help, they manage to outsmart Winston and turn the tables on him, exposing his criminal activities to the authorities.
In the end, Jake and his crew emerge victorious, having successfully pulled off the con and helped bring down a dangerous crime boss. However, they must go their separate ways, knowing that the world of deception and betrayal will always be waiting for them.
“Confidence” is a stylish and suspenseful crime thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot, sharp dialogue, and stellar performances. With its twists and turns, the movie offers a thrilling and entertaining ride from start to finish, showcasing the high stakes and moral ambiguity of the world of professional con artists.