Deadfall Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Thanksgiving dinner goes horribly wrong when a brother and sister bring their dysfunctional baggage, along with a whole lotta loot, to the party.

🍿 Deadfall: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Casino Heist and Escape

Addison and Liza are siblings fleeing after a successful casino heist. Their getaway goes awry when they crash their car in a snowstorm, killing their driver. With the police on their tail, Addison decides they should split up and head for the Canadian border separately. This sets off a chain of events as they navigate the harsh winter conditions and encounter various individuals along the way.

Jay’s Journey and Liza’s Rescue

Jay, an ex-con recently released from prison, is on his way home for Thanksgiving. After an altercation with his former coach, he believes he may have seriously injured him and is now on the run. He stumbles upon Liza, stranded in the snow, and offers her a ride. A connection forms between them as they travel towards Jay’s family home.

Addison’s Trail of Violence

While Liza finds companionship with Jay, Addison leaves a trail of violence in his wake. He encounters various individuals, including a snowmobile rider and an abusive father, leaving a string of deaths as he tries to evade the authorities. His actions draw the attention of local law enforcement, heightening the tension as he approaches the location where Liza plans to meet him.

Hannah’s Pursuit and Familial Conflicts

Hannah, a determined sheriff’s deputy, struggles for recognition from her dismissive father, Sheriff Becker. She becomes involved in the manhunt for Addison, facing sexism and professional challenges as she attempts to prove herself. Her investigation eventually leads her to the same location as Addison, Jay, and Liza, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Addison (Eric Bana): A ruthless criminal fleeing a botched heist, leaving a trail of violence as he seeks to reach the Canadian border.
• Liza (Olivia Wilde): Addison’s sister, grappling with her loyalty to her brother and a newfound desire for a normal life after meeting Jay.
• Jay (Charlie Hunnam): An ex-con and former boxer trying to reconcile with his family while unexpectedly falling for Liza.
• June Mills (Sissy Spacek): Jay’s compassionate mother, welcoming him back home despite his troubled past and the unfolding danger.
• Chet Mills (Kris Kristofferson): Jay’s estranged father and a retired sheriff, struggling to reconnect with his son while facing a dangerous threat.
• Hanna Becker (Kate Mara): An ambitious deputy sheriff, determined to prove herself to her dismissive father while investigating the escalating crimes.
• Sheriff Marshall T. Becker (Treat Williams): A dismissive sheriff and Hanna’s father, who underestimates his daughter’s abilities while hunting down dangerous criminals.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Addison: “It’s alright, little sis – It’s a good sign when you feel a little bad.” – Addison says this to Liza, attempting to comfort her after the chaos and violence they’ve been through.
• Liza: “I want a family of my own, instead of being messed up.” – Liza confides in Jay about her desire to escape her past and create a normal life.
• Addison: “What would home look like? I don’t know. A farmhouse in the valley, I guess, like the one we grew up in, Liza and I.” – Addison’s description of an ideal home hints at his longing for a normal, stable life despite his criminal actions.
• Sheriff Becker: “People start dying when you get involved.” – Sheriff Becker says to his daughter after her persuit of the criminal.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $66,351
• Worldwide Gross: $1,946,254

💥 Deadfall Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Deadfall’ expecting a tense thriller, and it mostly delivered. The snowy setting created an eerie atmosphere that really sucked me in. I really enjoyed Eric Bana’s performance. While some parts felt predictable, the Thanksgiving dinner scene was definitely the highlight. It had me on the edge of my seat! Overall, a solid watch if you’re in the mood for some crime drama.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate complex characters”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful plots”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence”
  • “Graphic scenes”
  • “Brief sexuality”
  • “Some suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While the snowy landscapes add a chilling atmosphere, ‘Deadfall’ stumbles due to a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. The talented cast tries their best, but the script lacks depth.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Deadfall’ is a passable thriller with some engaging moments, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. Eric Bana delivers a solid performance, but the film’s meandering script and uneven pacing hinder the overall experience.
• IGN: “A competently made crime drama, ‘Deadfall’ benefits from strong performances but suffers from a predictable storyline. The film’s intertwining narratives never fully gel, leaving the audience wanting more.

Audience Reactions

Eric Bana’s portrayal of a complex, unpredictable character was a standout.: Viewers praised the film’s atmosphere, tension and some of the performances, but criticize the somewhat predictable plot.

The snowy setting created a palpable sense of isolation and danger.: While ‘Deadfall’ is viewed as a good movie, it had great potential but fell short of what it could’ve been.

Overall Consensus: ‘Deadfall’ is a decent crime thriller elevated by strong performances but ultimately hampered by a predictable plot and uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Olivia Wilde’s first day of shooting involved scenes where her character nearly freezes to death, filmed in Canada while she was wearing only a miniskirt.”
• “The film was shot in Canada, with Quebec standing in for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, creating the snowbound landscapes.”
• “Director Stefan Ruzowitzky had previously won an Academy Award for the foreign-language film ‘The Counterfeiters’ (2007).”

🖥️ How to Watch Deadfall?

Deadfall is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can also be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Deadfall, you might like these similar films:

• A Simple Plan (1998): Features ordinary people making increasingly bad choices after finding a large sum of money, set against a snowy backdrop.
• Fargo (1996): A crime thriller set in a cold, snowy landscape with a dark comedic tone and characters making poor decisions.
• No Country for Old Men (2007): Features a cat-and-mouse chase with a relentless, almost supernatural villain and explores themes of morality and chance.
• The Getaway (1972): A classic crime film involving a heist gone wrong and a couple on the run, facing betrayals and violence.
• Hell or High Water (2016): Two brothers resort to crime to save their family’s land, pursued by law enforcement, exploring themes of desperation and loyalty.

🛒 Deadfall Related Products

• Deadfall [Blu-ray]: Own ‘Deadfall’ on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience with bonus content like behind-the-scenes features and cast interviews.
• Eric Bana Signed Photo: A signed photograph of Eric Bana as Addison, perfect for collectors and fans of the actor. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity.
• Crime Thriller Movie Poster Collection: A collection of movie posters featuring crime thrillers, including ‘Deadfall,’ showcasing iconic imagery and artwork. Perfect for decorating a home theater or entertainment room.
• Snowbound: A Winter Crime Anthology: Enjoy similar crime stories in a collection of books. Discover other authors in a similar niche.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Sweet Soul Sunshine” – performed by The Gypsy Sons
• “Original Score Excerpts” – performed by Marco Beltrami

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

‘Deadfall’ Charlie Hunnam Interview

Ever wondered what Charlie Hunnam thought about his role in ‘Deadfall’? This interview dives deep into his character and the movie’s themes. It’s really cool to hear his perspective!

Worst Movie Scenes 11: Deadfall w / Nicolas Cage (Part 1 of 2)

Okay, so this is about a *different* ‘Deadfall’ from 1993 starring Nicolas Cage and it’s hilarious! You HAVE to see what someone considers Cage’s most ridiculous performance – I kinda agree!

✨ Rate