Set It Off (1996) is a powerful crime drama that follows the story of four African-American women living in Los Angeles who, driven by poverty and injustice, decide to rob banks to escape their difficult lives. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film stars Jada Pinkett (Stony), Queen Latifah (Cleo), Vivica A. Fox (Frankie), and Kimberly Elise (Tisean). Each character has her own reasons for turning to crime, and together they form a strong sisterhood, bound by loyalty and desperation.

The film opens with Frankie, a bank teller, getting fired after a robbery takes place at her workplace. Although she is innocent, she is let go simply because she knows the robber from her neighborhood. Stony, who works multiple jobs to support her younger brother, experiences a heartbreaking loss that pushes her further into hopelessness. Tisean, a single mother, loses custody of her child due to a misunderstanding. Cleo, a bold and fearless woman, is frustrated with the system and her lack of opportunities. Their personal struggles make them feel trapped, with no clear way out.

Motivated by these circumstances, the four women come together and plan a bank robbery. Their first heist is successful, and the money brings them temporary relief. However, as they continue to rob more banks, the risks grow higher, and the consequences become more severe. The film does not glamorize crime but instead explores how poverty, racism, and a lack of support can lead people to make dangerous choices. Each robbery increases the tension, not just with the police, but also within the group, as fear, greed, and guilt begin to take a toll.

As the story unfolds, the bond between the women becomes stronger, but so do the obstacles they face. Detective Strode, played by John C. McGinley, gets closer to catching them, and the group starts to break under pressure. The film builds toward a tragic and emotional climax, where not all of the women survive. Their dream of freedom is powerful, but reality proves to be even harsher than they expected.

What makes Set It Off stand out is not just the action or suspense, but the deep emotional core of the story. The film gives a voice to women who are often ignored by society and shows the strength of friendship in the face of pain and injustice. The performances are raw and heartfelt, particularly from Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett, who bring intensity and vulnerability to their roles.

In the end, Set It Off is more than just a heist movie. It is a story about survival, sacrifice, and the impact of systemic inequality. It leaves a lasting impression because it shows how far people are willing to go when they feel they have nothing left to lose, and how powerful unity can be, even in the darkest moments.