The Tax Collector – Loyalty Has a Price
The Tax Collector is a gritty crime thriller released in 2020, directed by David Ayer. Set in the unforgiving streets of Los Angeles, the film follows David Cuevas, a man who collects protection money on behalf of a powerful criminal empire. Played by Bobby Soto, David is a loyal enforcer who keeps peace among the gangs while providing for his wife and children. His partner, Creeper, played by Shia LaBeouf, is the more volatile of the two — fearless, brutal, and unwavering in his loyalty.
Their routine begins to fall apart when a ruthless Mexican cartel leader returns to reclaim lost territory. As violence escalates, David’s world begins to crumble. The new threat not only challenges his control over the streets but also places his family in direct danger. With every deal, betrayal, and bullet, the story pushes David toward an impossible choice between survival and honor.
The film is raw and unapologetic in its depiction of gang life. Director David Ayer returns to the world he explored in previous films like Training Day and End of Watch, delivering fast-paced action, violent confrontations, and moral ambiguity. It is a story drenched in blood, loyalty, and fear — where the wrong step could cost everything.
Shia LaBeouf’s performance as Creeper stands out for its intensity and unpredictability. He transforms into a man whose loyalty runs deeper than the law, while Bobby Soto brings heart and conflict to David, a man torn between duty and conscience.
The Tax Collector is not just a story about crime. It is about the weight of legacy, the bonds of family, and the high price of loyalty in a world where power is never safe and survival is never promised.