Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, the film follows Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins (played by Denzel Washington), a recently laid-off factory worker who is struggling to make ends meet. In need of money to pay his mortgage, Easy accepts an offer from a mysterious white man named DeWitt Albright (played by Tom Sizemore) to find a missing woman named Daphne Monet (played by Jennifer Beals).
As Easy delves deeper into the search for Daphne, he quickly finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit, corruption, and violence. He discovers that Daphne is connected to some dangerous people, including a wealthy mayoral candidate named Todd Carter (played by Terry Kinney) and a vicious enforcer named Frank Green (played by Terry Kinney).
With the help of his friend and World War II buddy, Mouse Alexander (played by Don Cheadle), Easy navigates the treacherous streets of L.A.’s African-American neighborhoods, encountering crooked cops, femme fatales, and other unsavory characters along the way.
As Easy uncovers the truth behind Daphne’s disappearance, he must confront his own moral compass and decide how far he is willing to go to protect himself and those he cares about.
“Devil in a Blue Dress” is praised for its stylish direction, atmospheric cinematography, and Washington’s charismatic performance as the stoic and resourceful Easy Rawlins. The film captures the essence of 1940s Los Angeles while exploring themes of race, class, and power dynamics in post-war America. It remains a standout entry in the neo-noir genre and a compelling adaptation of Mosley’s acclaimed novel.