Johnny Was is a gritty gangster drama set in the tough city of Brixton, London. Johnny (Vinnie Jones) is trying to escape his violent past by living a simple "quiet life".

Earth has been conquered by robots from a distant galaxy. Survivors are confined to their houses and must wear electronic implants, risking incineration by robot sentries if they venture outside.

When a reporter discovers that her late mother had been receiving Christmas cards from a secret admirer, she decides to track him down. In the process, she'll discover a family secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.