The story of the film centers on a young man whose life is in danger because of his debts and who attempts to collect on his evil mother's insurance by putting a hit out on her.

The film stars Matthew McConaughey (Killer Joe Cooper), Emile Hirsch (Chris Smith), Thomas Haden Church (Ansel), Gina Gershon (Sharla), and Juno Temple (Dottie Smith).

As previously announced, the film will be seen at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.