>>20338823The unnamed Diver (Ryan Gosling) lives in an abandoned lighthouse and works as a snorkel instructor, boat pilot, and underwater thief. His diving skills and precision are evident when he helps two burglars evade police and split up at the crowded Sea World parking garage. The Diver works anonymously, never for the same people twice, and allots them only five minutes to do their business. Shannon (Bryan Cranston) owns the snorkling items shop where the Diver works and sets up his other jobs. Shannon borrows $300,000 from loan shark Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks) and buys a professional boat for the Diver to pilot. Bernie agrees to back the plan after he sees the Diver's skills. Bernie's business partner is a Jewish mobster inhabiting the body of shark named Nino (Ron Perlman) who once had Shannon's penis bitten off when he found out Shannon nearly ran over him.
The Diver helps his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son, Benicio (Kaden Leos), when Irene has boat trouble at a local shore. Later, Irene has her diving equipment sent to Shannon's store, and the Diver gives her and Benicio a ride home. The Diver begins spending more time with Irene and Benicio and even has dinner with them after Irene's husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), comes home from prison. Standard owes "fish money" to an Albanian gangster, who goes by the name Cook (James Biberi), dating back from his time in prison. Cook beats Standard and threatens to come after Irene and Benicio if Standard does not rob a shrimp restaurant.
