Gringo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A really nice guy goes to Mexico, gets double-crossed by everyone, and accidentally becomes a drug lord… or does he?

🍿 Gringo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Harold’s Unraveling

Harold Soyinka, a mild-mannered pharmaceutical employee, discovers his company, Promethium, is planning a merger that will cost him his job. Simultaneously, he learns his wife is having an affair. These revelations coincide with a business trip to Mexico with his ruthless bosses, Richard and Elaine.

A Staged Kidnapping Gone Wrong

Feeling betrayed and desperate, Harold conspires to fake his own kidnapping, hoping to extort money from Promethium. However, his plan quickly spirals out of control as a Mexican drug cartel, also involved with Promethium’s shady dealings, becomes interested in him, mistaking him for the boss.

Entangled in Chaos

Harold finds himself pursued by the cartel, his bosses, and a morally conflicted mercenary named Mitch (Richard’s brother), hired to ‘resolve’ the situation. Amidst the chaos, he crosses paths with Sunny and Miles, an American couple with their own agenda in Mexico.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo): A naive and honest businessman who finds himself in over his head when his life unravels during a business trip to Mexico.
• Richard Rusk (Joel Edgerton): A ruthless and manipulative CEO who betrays Harold for personal gain and corporate success.
• Elaine Markinson (Charlize Theron): A cunning and ambitious executive who is Richard’s equally duplicitous partner in crime.
• Mitch (Sharlto Copley): A morally conflicted mercenary hired to ‘rescue’ Harold, but ultimately finds himself questioning his allegiances.
• Angel Valverde (Yul Vazquez): Harold’s acquaintance in Mexico, secretly an undercover DEA agent working to expose the illegal activities.
• Bonnie Soyinka (Thandiwe Newton): Harold’s unfaithful and financially irresponsible wife, who is having an affair with Richard.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harold Soyinka: “One was a man who had a crisis of faith and the other was a man who sold his soul for personal gain. So, you have to decide which one you want to be.” – Harold says this, highlighting his moral compass and expectations of others’ ethical behavior.
• Elaine Markinson: “I want you to think about what you just said. Now, I want you to never say it again.” – Elaine says this to assert her authority and shut down any dissent in a typically abrasive manner.
• Richard Rusk: “Eat your carrots.” – Richard uses this phrase as a metaphor for following instructions for a later reward, which becomes a recurring theme of betrayal.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,969,853
• Worldwide Gross: $11,001,627

💥 Gringo Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into this movie not expecting much, and it surprised me. David Oyelowo is fantastic as Harold; you can’t help but root for him, even when he’s making terrible decisions. The supporting cast is great, too. It has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and I laughed out loud several times. Sure, it’s a bit messy, but it’s a fun, wild ride, and I enjoyed it a lot. I especially loved the ending; it was unexpected but satisfying.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in crime capers with unexpected twists”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with ensemble casts and satirical elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suggestive sexual content”
  • “Brief depictions of infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “”Gringo” has moments of dark humor, but it’s ultimately undone by a messy plot and unlikeable characters. The cast tries their best, but the film lacks a clear vision.
• IMDB: “While “Gringo” boasts a talented cast, its convoluted storyline and tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential. The performances are strong, but the film struggles to balance comedy, action, and drama effectively.
• Variety: “Variety notes its moments of entertainment, but ultimately finds it uneven in tone. Despite the cast’s efforts, Gringo never fully gels into a cohesive or satisfying whole.

Audience Reactions

David Oyelowo’s performance is a standout; he brings a unique blend of naivety and resilience to the role.: Most viewers agree that the film is entertaining due to its unpredictable plot and quirky characters.

Many found the dark humor to be a highlight, praising the film’s ability to find humor in absurd situations.: People who liked the film also appreciated the performances of Charlize Theron and Joel Edgerton as the ruthless executives.

Overall Consensus: “Gringo” is a mixed bag; some find it an entertaining dark comedy with strong performances, while others are turned off by its messy plot and tonal inconsistencies. It’s a film that seems to divide audiences, but it has enough going for it to be worth a watch if you’re a fan of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The character of Harold was originally written without a specific ethnic background, but after David Oyelowo was cast, the role was rewritten to be Nigerian, allowing Oyelowo to bring his own cultural experiences to the character.”
• “Director Nash Edgerton encouraged improvisation from the cast, leading to several unscripted moments that made it into the final cut.”
• “The film was shot on location in Veracruz, Mexico, providing an authentic backdrop for the story’s blend of dark comedy and cartel intrigue.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features a mix of upbeat pop and traditional Mexican music, enhancing the contrasting tones of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gringo?

Gringo is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video (rental or purchase). You may also find it for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• War Dogs (2016): Shares the dark comedy and crime elements, focusing on arms dealing instead of pharmaceuticals but featuring morally questionable business practices.
• Horrible Bosses (2011): Features dark comedy with criminal elements, portraying extreme situations arising from awful bosses and desperate employees.
• Get the Gringo (2012): Similar title with the theme of an American in Mexico caught up in the criminal underworld.

🛒 Gringo Related Products

• Gringo Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. Perfect for fans who want to showcase their love for the film.
• Cannabax Medical Marijuana Pill Prop Replica: A replica of the Cannabax pills featured in the movie. Display only, not an actual drug.
• “Harold’s Bar” T-Shirt: A t-shirt featuring the logo of Harold’s bar from the end of the movie. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Selma (Blu-ray): Starring David Oyelowo. A story about an important piece of history.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” – performed by Will Smith

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

La intimidad del Gringo e Inés – Cuéntame Cómo Pasó

Ever wonder what happens between Gringo and Inés? This intimate scene gives you a glimpse into their relationship – it’s kinda awkward but also super real, you gotta see it!

Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown – Thank God (Official Music Video)

This music video is worth watching because it is a well-produced song. Plus, it’s cool to see Kane Brown collaborating with his wife; their voices blend perfectly!

Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Puyol!!🔥🔥🔥

Want to see some awesome sports compilations? The action is fast and the highlights are epic, you won’t regret watching it!

✨ Rate