A Most Violent Year Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A morally upright oil magnate tries to buy a riverfront property while everyone around him keeps stealing his stuff, and his wife is secretly a mafia.

🍿 A Most Violent Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: The Ambitious Abel Morales

Set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically one of the most violent years in the city’s history, the film centers on Abel Morales, an ambitious immigrant striving to expand his heating oil business, Standard Oil. Abel aims to achieve the American Dream through honest means, a stark contrast to the rampant corruption of his competitors. He and his wife, Anna, are moving into a new home, symbolizing their rising success. Abel’s primary goal is to secure a $2.5 million waterfront property that would significantly increase his storage capacity, allowing him to buy oil when prices are low and sell when they are high. He places a $1 million down payment, with 30 days to secure the remaining $1.5 million. However, challenges quickly arise, threatening his business and his moral code.

Threats and Hijackings

Abel faces increasing pressure as his oil trucks are repeatedly hijacked, costing him thousands of dollars. His drivers are being beaten, and veiled threats are made against his family. His wife, Anna, whose family has ties to organized crime, urges him to fight back with violence, a method Abel staunchly resists. Simultaneously, Assistant District Attorney Lawrence launches an investigation into the heating oil industry, scrutinizing Abel’s business practices and putting further strain on his operations. The DA’s investigation brings unwanted attention and threatens his existing banking relationships.

Desperate Measures and Moral Compromises

As Abel struggles to secure the remaining funds for the waterfront property, he faces numerous setbacks. One of his drivers, Julian, acts in self-defense during a hijacking, leading to a police chase and further scrutiny of Abel’s business. The bank withdraws its loan offer, leaving Abel scrambling for alternatives. In a series of desperate moves, Abel seeks loans from competitors, agreeing to unfavorable terms. He uncovers that Anna has been secretly skimming money from the company, providing a potential solution to his financial woes. His desire to succeed pushes him closer to the very corruption he initially sought to avoid.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac): An ambitious and determined immigrant businessman striving to maintain his moral compass while navigating the corrupt world of the heating oil industry in 1981 New York City.
• Anna Morales (Jessica Chastain): Abel’s wife and business partner, who is more ruthless and pragmatic due to her family’s history with organized crime, often pushing Abel to take more aggressive actions.
• D.A. Lawrence (David Oyelowo): The ambitious district attorney investigating corruption in the heating oil industry, putting pressure on Abel and his business.
• Julian (Elyes Gabel): One of Abel’s truck drivers whose desperation and fear lead to a series of unfortunate events that impact Abel’s business and moral standing.
• Andrew Walsh (Albert Brooks): Abel’s shrewd and pragmatic lawyer who provides advice and navigates the legal complexities of Abel’s business dealings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abel Morales: “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life, and that I can’t do.” – Abel explains his ambitious nature and willingness to take risks to his lawyer, Andrew Walsh.
• Abel Morales: “The result is never in question, just the path you take to get there.” – Abel states his belief that success is inevitable, but the morality of the journey is what defines a person.
• Abel Morales: “I’m not a gangster.” – Abel frequently repeats this phrase as a mantra, trying to distance himself from the corruption around him.
• Anna Morales: “If I were you, I would start treating us with a little more respect or I guarantee he will make it his mission in life to ruin you.” – Anna confronts a competitor, revealing her family’s mob connections and threatening him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,749,134
• Worldwide Gross: $12,007,070

💥 A Most Violent Year Reviews

Personal Review

I was totally drawn into “A Most Violent Year,” not because of the violence, but because of the intense moral struggle Abel faces. Oscar Isaac’s performance is phenomenal, and I felt every ounce of his frustration. The scene where he confronts his competitor in Far Rockaway had me on the edge of my seat. Also the scene where the main character needs money badly and he finds out his wife was hiding it all along, that was amazing. What really got me was the ending. Julian’s suicide was a gut-punch and added layers of complexity to Abel’s journey. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas and thrillers with a focus on character development.”
  • “Those interested in films set in 1980s New York City.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate slow-burn narratives with moral ambiguity.”
  • “Admirers of Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain’s performances.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief violence and disturbing images (including a suicide scene).”
  • “Adult language.”
  • “Thematic elements of crime and corruption may be unsuitable for younger viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Chandor crafts a compelling crime drama with shades of the classic New York thrillers, elevated by stellar performances from Isaac and Chastain. The film’s deliberate pace and focus on character over action may not appeal to all, but those seeking a thoughtful, atmospheric experience will be rewarded.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A Most Violent Year is a character study of a man trying to maintain his integrity in a corrupt environment. Oscar Isaac delivers a standout performance, showcasing his range and subtlety. While the film’s title is somewhat misleading, the underlying tension and moral conflicts make for a gripping watch.
• Entertainment Weekly: “A stylish and suspenseful crime drama set in a gritty 1981 New York. Oscar Isaac is magnetic, and Jessica Chastain adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The film’s slow-burn approach and focus on moral ambiguities make it a standout in the crime genre.

Audience Reactions

Oscar Isaac’s performance as Abel Morales is captivating and nuanced.: Viewers appreciate the film’s atmosphere and character-driven narrative.

Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of Anna Morales is powerful and compelling.: Many find the film thought-provoking and morally complex.

Overall Consensus: “A Most Violent Year” is a well-acted, atmospheric crime drama that explores themes of morality and ambition in a gritty 1981 New York setting. It is recommended for fans of character-driven stories.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jessica Chastain personally contacted Armani to request vintage costumes for her character, as she believed Anna would only wear Armani. The fashion house obliged, providing vintage Armani pieces from 1981.”
• “The Packard Plant in Detroit, Michigan, was used as a filming location for the chase sequence on foot between the truck driver and Abel.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Most Violent Year?

As of October 2024, ‘A Most Violent Year’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability, as offerings may change. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies for sale online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Most Violent Year, you might like these similar films:

• The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973): A gritty crime drama focused on the moral compromises people make to survive in a corrupt world, with a similar 1970s aesthetic.
• Serpico (1973): Deals with corruption and an honest man fighting against it in New York City.
• Prince of the City (1981): Depicts the intense moral challenges faced by law enforcement within a corrupt system in 1980s New York City.
• Michael Clayton (2007): Features a morally conflicted protagonist dealing with corporate corruption and the consequences of their actions, and explores similar themes of ethics and survival.

🛒 A Most Violent Year Related Products

• A Most Violent Year [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the film for collectors, featuring bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• 1980s New York City Crime Map Poster: A detailed map of 1980s New York City highlighting crime hotspots, inspired by the film’s setting. A unique decorative piece for movie and history enthusiasts.
• Standard Oil Inspired T-Shirt: High-quality t-shirt featuring the ‘Standard Oil’ logo, a subtle nod to Abel Morales’ business. Comfortable and stylish for everyday wear.
• 1980s Inspired Double Breasted Suit – Men’s Fashion: Channel the look of Abel Morales in the film with a classic double-breasted suit in period-appropriate style. Available in various sizes and fabrics for a sophisticated and stylish look.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Most Violent Year features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” – performed by Marvin Gaye
• “America for Me” – performed by Alex Ebert

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Most Violent Year | NYC, 1981 | A Documentary Short

Want to really understand the world of ‘A Most Violent Year’? This short doc dives into what life was *actually* like in NYC in 1981. Seriously, it’s fascinating to hear from the people who were there – it really brings the movie to life!

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