Matchstick Men is a 2003 crime comedy-drama film directed by Ridley Scott. The film stars Nicolas Cage as Roy Waller, an obsessive-compulsive and germaphobe con artist who is looking to pull off a high-stakes swindle with his protégé Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell).
Roy's carefully structured life is turned upside down when his teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), shows up at his doorstep. Roy had lost touch with Angela's mother years earlier and was unaware that Angela even existed. Despite Roy's initial reluctance to interact with Angela, she quickly becomes involved in his scam, proving to be a quick learner and asset to their schemes.
As they embark on their most ambitious con yet, Roy's anxieties and fears become increasingly debilitating, and his relationship with Angela becomes complicated by his guilt over his past mistakes and his desire to be a good father.
As the stakes get higher and trust becomes more fragile, Roy must confront his own limitations and confront his past in order to protect himself and his family. Ultimately, he is forced to make a difficult decision that will determine the future of his relationship with Angela and the success of their con.
The film received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Cage's portrayal of Roy, as well as its witty script and stylish direction by Scott. It is a poignant and humorous exploration of family, parenthood, and the struggle to break free from one's past.