Lawless is a 2012 American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat, featuring a screenplay by Nick Cave. The film is based on Matt Bondurant's historical novel The Wettest County in the World (2008) and stars Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, and Guy Pearce.
The story is set in 1931 Franklin County, Virginia, during the Prohibition era. It follows the Bondurant brothers—Forrest (Tom Hardy), Howard (Jason Clarke), and Jack (Shia LaBeouf)—who run a successful moonshine business. Their operation comes under threat from Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce), a corrupt lawman who demands a cut of their profits. Forrest refuses to comply, leading to violent confrontations.
Jack witnesses rum-runner Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman) kill federal agents, which complicates their situation further. To help their business, Forrest hires Maggie (Jessica Chastain), a dancer from Chicago with a mysterious past. As Rakes intensifies his intimidation tactics, the brothers face increasing violence and pressure to conform to his demands.
The film explores themes of loyalty and resilience as Jack pursues a romantic relationship with Bertha (Mia Wasikowska), a preacher's daughter. The tension escalates when Forrest is ambushed and severely injured by Rakes' men. In retaliation, Jack and Howard take matters into their own hands, leading to a series of brutal confrontations.
Lawless features a strong ensemble cast that brings depth to its characters. The film's production was marked by its gritty portrayal of the Prohibition era and its exploration of the moral complexities faced by the Bondurant brothers as they navigate their dangerous world.
The film premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and was released theatrically on August 29, 2012. Lawless received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its performances, direction, and cinematography. It grossed over $60 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $26 million. The film has since gained recognition for its depiction of brotherhood and the harsh realities of bootlegging during Prohibition.