Finestkind Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two half-brothers, one a fisherman and the other a soon-to-be lawyer, accidentally become drug mules and then have to deal with a very angry Tommy Lee Jones.

🍿 Finestkind: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Summer Reunion at Sea

Charlie, a college student, visits his half-brother Tom in New Bedford, Massachusetts, seeking a break from his privileged life. Tom, a seasoned fisherman, reluctantly agrees to take Charlie on a fishing trip. This sets the stage for a summer of adventure and unexpected challenges for both brothers.

Disaster Strikes on the Harmony

During the fishing excursion on Tom’s boat, the ‘Harmony,’ a sudden explosion causes the vessel to sink. The crew, including Charlie, narrowly escape with their lives. This event marks a turning point, forcing Tom to find a new way to support himself and his crew, and inadvertently drawing Charlie deeper into the world of commercial fishing.

The Finestkind and a Risky Decision

Facing financial hardship, Tom accepts his estranged father Ray’s offer to captain his boat, the ‘Finestkind.’ Desperate to make a lucrative catch, Tom makes the fateful decision to illegally fish in Canadian waters, leading to the impoundment of the boat and a hefty fine. This act of desperation sets off a chain of events that plunges the brothers into a dangerous criminal underworld.

Descent into Crime

To raise the money to get the Finestkind back, Mabel arranges for the crew to transport heroin. This decision leads to the brothers being cornered by rival dealers, who steal the drugs. The brothers are now in serious debt to dangerous criminals and the stakes get higher.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom (Ben Foster): A seasoned fisherman and older half-brother who is fiercely protective of his family and way of life.
• Charlie (Toby Wallace): A recent college graduate and younger half-brother seeking adventure and connection with his estranged family.
• Mabel (Jenna Ortega): A street-smart young woman involved in drug dealing who becomes romantically entangled with Charlie.
• Eldridge (Tommy Lee Jones): The gruff but loving father of Tom and a seasoned fisherman facing his own mortality.
• Pete Weeks (Clayne Crawford): A violent crime boss who pulls the brothers into a dangerous drug smuggling operation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eldridge: “You live, you die. It’s the in-between that counts.” – This quote encapsulates the movie’s core theme of finding meaning and value in the experiences between life’s major milestones.
• Ray: “I would do anything to save him.” – Ray says this to Tom, expressing the depth of a father’s love and willingness to sacrifice everything for his son.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Finestkind Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of crime dramas with a human touch, Finestkind really resonated with me. I appreciated the complex relationship between the brothers and how their bond was tested. Ben Foster’s performance was outstanding, and Tommy Lee Jones brought a quiet intensity that was captivating. The scenes at sea were beautifully shot, and the tension kept me hooked. I really felt the emotional pull of their choices and sacrifices.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas with a focus on family relationships”
  • “Viewers interested in the lives of commercial fishermen”
  • “Those who appreciate movies set in New England”
  • “Fans of Ben Foster and Tommy Lee Jones”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Finestkind offers a compelling look at the lives of fishermen and the choices they make when facing difficult circumstances. While the plot meanders, the strong performances, especially from Foster and Jones, ground the film in a raw emotional reality.
• Variety: “Helgeland’s return to the director’s chair is a bit of a mixed bag, delivering a somewhat predictable crime drama. Ortega shines in her role, bringing depth to Mabel, but the film overall lacks the punch it aims for.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film struggles to balance its character drama with crime thriller elements. Although Jones delivers a compelling performance, the convoluted plot keeps Finestkind from reaching its full potential.

Audience Reactions

The raw and authentic portrayal of fishermen’s lives.: Viewers praised Ben Foster and Tommy Lee Jones’s performances.

The intense emotional connection between the characters.: Many viewers found the relationships between the brothers and their father to be the strongest aspect of the film.

Overall Consensus: Finestkind is a watchable drama elevated by strong performances but hampered by a somewhat convoluted and predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “When the project was initially announced, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ansel Elgort, and Zendaya were slated for the lead roles but they dropped out after years in development.”
• “The director, Brian Helgeland, conceived and wrote the story over 20 years ago, highlighting his long-term commitment to this particular project.”

🖥️ How to Watch Finestkind?

Finestkind is currently streaming on Paramount+ in the US and Canada. It is also available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability in other regions.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Perfect Storm (2000): Both films depict the dangerous lives of fishermen and the unpredictable nature of the sea.
• Mystic River (2003): Directed by the same director, this movie explores the complex dynamics of loyalty, family, and crime within a close-knit community in Boston.
• Warrior (2011): Features two brothers with complex relationships who are forced to confront their past and fight for their future.

🛒 Finestkind Related Products

• Finestkind (Blu-ray): Own Finestkind in stunning high definition. Blu-ray edition includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary.
• Tommy Lee Jones: The Essential Collection (DVD): A curated collection of Tommy Lee Jones’ best performances, including classics and modern hits.
• Maritime Fisherman’s Knit Sweater: Inspired by the traditional fisherman’s sweater worn in the film, made with 100% wool for warmth and durability.
• Fishing Boat Model Kit: Build your own detailed replica of a classic fishing boat. A fun and challenging project for hobbyists and movie fans alike.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “New Sensation” – performed by INXS
• “Fisherman’s Blues” – performed by The Waterboys

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jenna Ortega new photos behind the scenes of Finestkind

Want to see Jenna Ortega in action on the set of Finestkind? This quick behind-the-scenes peek is pretty cool, especially if you’re a fan!

✨ Rate