Called the pioneer of America's new cinema, John Cassavetes '"Gloria", completed in 1980, is part of a later period in Cassavetes' career, where his longtime partner and wife, Gena Rowlands, starred as the living classic of indie cinema for thirty years.

The film takes the viewer to the streets of New York, where Gloria (Gena Rowlands) and a six-year-old boy (John Adames) escape the mafia, who want to catch them at any cost. The boy has important evidence against the mafia that his father managed to give him before his execution, and now, with Gloria's help, he must save it. Although getting away from the gangsters seems like a hopeless endeavor, the brave woman risks her life not to get caught, using both her common sense and her weapons handling skills.

"Gloria" was the eighth collaboration between Cassavetes and Rowlands. "Gloria" brought the director the award for the best film at the Venice Festival as well as Rowlands was nominated for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the title role.