JJ, a cybersecurity expert with the FBI, seeks answers to the mysterious death of his best friend. Unfamiliar with the dangerous Harlem crime scene, he turns to the only person he believes can help—his estranged father, John Shaft II, a private investigator with a knack for handling the gritty world of crime. Reluctant at first, John agrees to assist his son, blending their contrasting skills and methods to uncover the truth. Their investigation leads them through a labyrinthine web of drug dealers, corrupt officials, and violent street gangs, all while JJ learns to appreciate his father's old-school toughness.

As father and son delve deeper into the case, they find themselves confronting a larger conspiracy that threatens to engulf them both. Their journey also reopens old wounds and forces a reevaluation of their fractured relationship. They eventually cross paths with the original John Shaft, adding another layer of expertise and familial tension to their mission. As they piece together clues and navigate perilous situations, JJ discovers hidden strengths within himself. The trio faces mounting adversaries and dangerous odds, culminating in revelations that challenge their notions of justice and family loyalty.