The Tax Collector is a 2020 American action thriller directed and written by David Ayer. It stars Bobby Soto and Shia LaBeouf.
David Cuevas (Soto) is a devoted husband and father, but he works with his friend Creeper (LaBeouf) for a powerful gangster named Wizard (Jimmy Smits), taking a cut from what all the other gangs in the area earn (hence “tax collectors”). When Wizard’s rival Conejo (Jose Martin) returns to Los Angeles after hiding in Mexico, David must do whatever it takes to protect his family when Conejo wants him and Creeper to start working under him.
The film was released in select theaters and on demand on August 6th, 2020.
This film provides examples of:
- Author Appeal: Los Angeles gangbangers feature in a David Ayer film once again.
- Big Bad: Conejo, a ruthless crime lord.
- Bittersweet Ending: David kills Conejo and rescues his kids, but his wife Alexis, Creeper, and Uncle Louis were all murdered, and it’s implied he may not be able to escape the gang life.
- The Dragon: Gata, who is also Conejo’s girlfriend, and is just as vicious as he is.
- The Dreaded: Creeper has built up this reputation, as the guy he and David meet with in the beginning tells Creeper that he had heard that Creeper is the devil.
- Everyone Has Standards: The black gangsters David visits to get help are greatly offended that Conejo is targeting David's wife and children.
- It's Personal: After Conejo kills Alexis and kidnaps her and David’s children, David decides to go to war with him.
- Off with His Head!: Conejo shows David that he killed Louis by severing his head.
- Would Hurt a Child: Conejo threatens to throw David’s kids in acid.
