Small Apartments Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bald guy in his underwear accidentally kills his landlord and then goes on a weird road trip fueled by Moxie and alpenhorn music to find a Swiss bank account.

🍿 Small Apartments: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Accidental Manslaughter

Franklin Franklin, a quirky and somewhat reclusive man living in a Los Angeles apartment complex, accidentally kills his landlord during an argument. Faced with a dead body in his apartment, Franklin panics and attempts to cover up the crime, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre and darkly comedic events. He is often seen in his underwear and listening to tapes from his brother who is in a mental institution.

Cover-Up Chaos

Franklin’s attempts to dispose of the body and clean up the crime scene are complicated by his eccentric neighbors, including Tommy Balls, a punk rocker, and Mr. Allspice, an old man with a penchant for yelling. As he tries to maintain a facade of normalcy, Franklin becomes entangled in a web of lies and misadventures, attracting the attention of a determined detective, Burt Walnut, who begins investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the landlord’s death. The discovery of a mysterious key from his brother sends Franklin on a quest.

Brotherly Connection

Throughout the film, Franklin’s relationship with his institutionalized brother, Bernard, is revealed through cassette tapes Bernard sends him. These tapes offer glimpses into their shared past and hint at the reasons behind Bernard’s mental state. Franklin clings to these messages for guidance and comfort as he navigates his increasingly desperate situation. He uses the cryptic hints in the tapes to locate a Swiss bank account.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas): A clumsy and eccentric man who accidentally kills his landlord and tries to cover it up, leading him on a bizarre journey.
• Mr. Olivetti (Peter Stormare): The deceased landlord whose accidental death sets off the film’s chaotic events.
• Mr. Allspice (James Caan): A grumpy and nosy neighbor in the apartment complex who frequently interacts with Franklin.
• Simone (Juno Temple): An aspiring stripper and neighbor who offers Franklin an unusual distraction.
• Tommy Balls (Johnny Knoxville): A punk-rocker and another eccentric resident of the apartment building.
• Bernard Franklin (James Marsden): Franklin’s institutionalized brother, whose cassette tapes provide guidance and a crucial plot element.
• Burt Walnut (Billy Crystal): The fire detective investigating the landlord’s death.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bernard Franklin: “Franklin, what are we so scared of? You only get one shot at this life. There are no do-overs.” – Bernard relays this life lesson to Franklin on a cassette tape.
• Bernard Franklin: “Time wasted, is time lost. The past is a ghost. The future a dream. There is only right now.” – This emphasizes living in the moment and not dwelling on the past.
• Bernard Franklin: “We need to forgive each other, Franklin. Forgive and keep moving forward because we’re all so ridiculously imperfect.” – Bernard preaches forgiveness as a means of moving on from past mistakes.
• Bernard Franklin: “Choose to be happy, Franklin! ‘Cause happiness is a state of mind.” – This is a reminder that happiness is a choice and a perspective.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Small Apartments Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Small Apartments! It’s such a bizarre and unique movie. I was hooked from the start, even though I had no idea what was going on half the time. Matt Lucas is brilliant as Franklin Franklin, and the supporting cast is incredible. The ending really got to me and surprisingly emotional. Definitely a movie I’ll be recommending to my friends who appreciate weird and wonderful cinema.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Viewers who appreciate quirky and offbeat humor”
  • “Those who enjoy ensemble casts and character-driven stories”
  • “People interested in indie films with a unique perspective”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Violence”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Slash Film: “Small Apartments stands out with its quirky characters and dark humor. Matt Lucas delivers a compelling performance, supported by a strong ensemble cast. The film creates a uniquely unsettling and humorous experience.
• ScreenRant: “While the plot is bizarre, the movie explores themes of loneliness and connection. The performances are engaging, making it a memorable watch for those who appreciate offbeat cinema.
• IMDB User Review: “This is a quirky story to be enjoyed through multiple viewings. Matt Lucas is wonderful, but it is the others around him that really shine. Some delightful cameos from many famous and deserving actors. This is gentle and subversive humor at it’s best.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the quirky characters and dark humor.: Most viewers agree that the movie is bizarre but entertaining, with standout performances from the cast.

The film’s unexpected emotional depth resonated with many.: Several viewers appreciated the surprisingly touching moments amidst the absurdity.

Overall Consensus: A darkly comedic and quirky film with strong performances, polarizing viewers with its bizarre plot and unexpected emotional depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Small Apartments is based on a novel written by Chris Millis, who also wrote the screenplay.”
• “The film was directed by Jonas Åkerlund, known for his work in music videos. He has directed videos for artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Metallica.”

🖥️ How to Watch Small Apartments?

Currently, “Small Apartments” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as offerings may vary by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Small Apartments, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Lebowski (1998): Both films feature quirky characters and absurd situations in a darkly comedic narrative.
• Seven Psychopaths (2012): Similar dark humor, quirky characters, and crime elements.
• Fargo (1996): Darkly comedic crime story with eccentric characters and unexpected plot twists.

🛒 Small Apartments Related Products

• Small Apartments [Blu-ray]: Own the film in high definition and experience the bizarre world of Small Apartments in stunning detail. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Alpenhorn – Authentic Swiss Mountain Horn: Recreate Franklin’s iconic moments with an authentic Swiss alpenhorn. Handcrafted and perfect for musicians and collectors alike.
• Switzerland Travel Guide: Inspired by Franklin’s dream, plan your own trip to Switzerland with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
• Moxie Soda – 12 Pack: Experience the unique flavor that Franklin Franklin craves! A taste of Small Apartments with this iconic beverage.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Franklin’s Intro” – performed by Per Gessle

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Small Apartments OST – Franklin’s Main Theme

Ever wondered what gives ‘Small Apartments’ its quirky vibe? Give Franklin’s Theme a listen – it’s surprisingly catchy and perfectly captures the film’s oddball charm. I bet you’ll be humming it all day!

✨ Rate