Infamous Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two people realize the fastest way to go viral is to rob stuff and post it, because who needs TikTok dances when you have felony footage?

🍿 Infamous: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Small Town Dreamer Meets a Dark Path

Arielle, a young woman stuck in a small Florida town, longs for fame and a life beyond her dreary reality, which includes dealing with her mother’s unpleasant boyfriend. She finds an escape when she meets Dean, a recent parolee trying to navigate life outside of prison while living with his abusive, alcoholic father. Their lives become intertwined, sharing discontent with their current situations. Arielle’s frustration boils over when she believes her money is stolen, leading to a confrontation that escalates. Dean also faces a violent encounter with his father.

Crime, Social Media, and Rising Fame

Following violent incidents at both their homes, Arielle and Dean decide to flee town, but their lack of funds pushes them towards crime. Their first robbery of a gas station introduces a new element: Arielle live-streams the event, instantly gaining a small following. Obsessed with the sudden attention, Arielle continues to document their crime spree, which includes robbing a dispensary. As their exploits gain millions of followers, their faces appear on the news, making them notorious. This newfound fame excites Arielle but causes conflict with Dean, who is less enthralled by the dangerous public exposure.

Escalation and Desperation

The couple’s run takes a darker turn when a police stop leads to a fatal encounter orchestrated by Arielle. Now wanted for murder, they go into hiding, causing Arielle’s follower count to drop, which further fuels her desperation for attention. Despite having enough money, Arielle’s need for fame leads her to commit another robbery alone, resulting in accidental death and a gunshot wound. This reckless act attracts the attention of the police once more, culminating in a chaotic car chase and shootout.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arielle (Bella Thorne): The protagonist obsessed with social media fame who initiates a cross-country crime spree with her boyfriend.
• Dean (Jake Manley): Arielle’s ex-con boyfriend who is reluctantly drawn into her crime spree and increasingly disapproves of her obsession with social media fame.
• Elle (Amber Riley): A loyal online follower who recognizes and helps Arielle and Dean escape the police.
• Kyle (Michael Sirow): Dean’s criminal contact who involves them in a fatal bank robbery where he clashes with Arielle over social media use.
• Janet (Marisa Coughlan): Arielle’s mother living with an abusive boyfriend, whose domestic situation contributes to Arielle’s desire to escape.
• Bobby (Michael Sirow): Janet’s ‘deadbeat’ boyfriend whose presence and potential theft of Arielle’s money contribute to the initial conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arielle: “I’ve always wanted more. Fame. Popularity. Admiration.” – Arielle reveals her deep-seated desire for recognition and a life beyond her small town.
• Arielle: “It will lead to fame and money.” – Arielle explains to Dean why live streaming their crimes is a good idea, focusing on the potential for viral fame and wealth.
• Dean: “Why are you live streaming our crimes?!” – Dean reacts angrily upon discovering that Arielle has been recording and posting their illegal activities online.
• Arielle: “I did it for you.” – Arielle tries to justify her increasingly reckless actions to Dean, claiming they were for his benefit, though he disagrees.
• Elle: “People find them empowering.” – A follower explains to Dean why people, like herself, are drawn to and follow Arielle and Dean’s criminal exploits online.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $250,000
• Domestic Gross: $429,148
• Worldwide Gross: $429,148

💥 Infamous Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched Infamous, and honestly, it’s kinda wild. The whole idea of robbing places just to get famous online is messed up, but the movie really leans into that absurdity. Bella Thorne is pretty captivating in it, you can see she’s trying to do something different. It had this cool, almost music-video vibe in places, especially earlier on. Even though the plot gets a bit shaky and the ending feels… well, it’s an ending, I stayed hooked just to see how far these characters would actually go for likes. It’s not a perfect movie, but it definitely makes you think about internet culture, even if it’s in a crazy, exaggerated way.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers with a focus on modern themes like social media culture”
  • “Viewers interested in controversial or stylized independent films”
  • “Fans of Bella Thorne and Jake Manley”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong violence and gun use”
  • “Murder”
  • “Theft and armed robbery”
  • “Drug use (implied/depicted)”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Themes of social media obsession and narcissism”

Professional Reviews

• Film Weekly: “Infamous attempts to update the ‘outlaw lovers on the run’ trope for the social media age. While visually stylish and featuring a committed performance from Bella Thorne, the film struggles with a weak script and predictable narrative beats. It makes its point about the obsession with fame, but lacks the depth and punch of its predecessors.
• Indie Scene Magazine: “Despite moments of kinetic energy and a fitting soundtrack, Infamous ultimately rings hollow. The central relationship feels underdeveloped, and the social commentary, while relevant, is hammered home without much nuance. It looks good, but the lack of engaging characters makes their infamous journey less compelling than intended.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were fascinated (and sometimes horrified) by the social media-driven crime spree concept.: The film’s stylish visuals, fitting soundtrack, and Bella Thorne’s lead performance were often highlighted as positives.

The movie sparked debate about modern youth culture, fame obsession, and the impact of social media.: Some found it an engaging watch despite its flaws, appreciating the updated take on the Bonnie and Clyde story.

Overall Consensus: A divisive take on the outlaw couple trope updated for the social media age. Praised for its style and thematic relevance, but often criticized for its script, character development, and comparison to similar films.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was originally titled “Southland,” which is evidenced by the title card still appearing in the end credits of the final version.”

🖥️ How to Watch Infamous?

As of its release, ‘Infamous’ was available through various Digital and On Demand platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu for options to rent or purchase the film. According to some user reviews from its initial release, it was also available on platforms like Netflix, though availability may vary by region and change over time. Consult these major digital storefronts for the most current streaming and purchase status.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Considered the archetype of the ‘lovers on the run crime spree’ genre, which Infamous updates for the social media age.
• Natural Born Killers (1994): Features a violent criminal couple who become media sensations, critiquing the public’s fascination with crime and fame.
• Spree (2020): Also centers on a protagonist who commits violent acts for the sole purpose of going viral and gaining followers through live streaming.
• Spring Breakers (2012): Depicts young people seeking escape and thrills through crime and rebellion, presented with a distinct stylized aesthetic.
• Badlands (1973): A classic film about a young couple who go on a killing spree across the Midwest, focusing on their detachment and aimlessness.

🛒 Infamous Related Products

• Infamous (2020) Digital Download: Own the movie ‘Infamous’ digitally to rewatch the journey of Arielle and Dean. Available for streaming and download on all your devices.
• Social Media and Society: An Introduction Book: Explore the real-world impact and psychology behind social media trends, fame, and online behavior, offering context to the movie’s themes.
• Bonnie and Clyde (Two-Disc Special Edition): Experience the classic film that heavily influenced ‘Infamous’. This special edition includes bonus features exploring its cultural impact.
• Vintage Florida Road Trip Poster Print: A stylized art print capturing the aesthetic of a Southern road trip, reminiscent of the film’s setting and genre inspiration.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Walking On A Wire” – performed by The Imaginaries

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Does “Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga Sound Familiar? 🤔🎈#music #brunomars

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