The film is set in the criminal underground of Copenhagen, Denmark, and tells the story of the drug dealer Frank (Kim Bodnia) who, after losing a large amount of money in a drug deal gone wrong, falls into desperation as he only has a few days to raise the money he owes.

Frank is visited by a former cell mate, a Swede named Hasse, and the pair set up a large drug deal.

As Frank makes other disastrous attempts to earn money, Vic becomes increasingly insistent that they behave as a couple.

Frank finally makes a deal, but his drug mule betrays him and switches the heroin for baking soda.

Frank goes on a desperate rampage, stealing money and drugs from the gym of some drug-dealing bodybuilders, but he is soon picked up by Radovan and tortured.

After successfully making his final deal in Copenhagen, Frank receives a call from Milo, who promises to accept a token payment to put an end to their dispute.

When Frank bluntly informs Vic that their plans to flee are cancelled, she steals his stash of money and runs off.

Refn turned down the offer he subsequently received, instead deciding to transform Pusher into a feature-length independent film utilizing a nominal amount of funding that he had managed to acquire.

Refn organized the plot's events according to the days of the week in his notes and this was subsequently established in the final product.

Refn's major inspirations for the film were The Battle of Algiers, Cannibal Holocaust, The French Connection, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie and Mean Streets.

Refn became concerned when violence flared between Serbs and Croats during filming, but the events did not cause problems on set.

Kristian also composed the song "Summers got the colour" with text by Lars K. Andersen which was sung by Aud Wilken.

Refn claimed that the film inspired cults of highly dedicated fans and influenced Danish fashion to emulate certain costumes worn by the characters.

[10] Milo is followed through the course of a hectic day, as he struggles with his attempt at sobriety, a series of problematic criminal deals, and his daughter's birthday celebration for which he is the chef.