Jerry Welbach (Brad Pitt) is in love with a strong minded woman. Samatha (Julia Roberts) wants him to give up his badboy ways, leave the mob behind and start a real life with her. Jerry's boss, on the other hand, doesn't really have any plans of releasing Jerry and sends him south of the border to bring back a gun called "The Mexican" that is believed to be cursed. Recovering the pistol comes easy to Jerry, but getting it back to his boss seems next to impossible. Perhaps the curse is real? Jerry isn't sure but when Samatha is taken hostage by a hit man to try to gain leverage over Jerry, he must decide what is worth more to him; staying alive or rescuing Samatha.