The latest film from J. C. Chandor sees the talented writer/director build on the huge promise he showed in his previous work, All is Lost and Margin Call, with this richly layered drama exploring the lives of an immigrant and his family as they attempt to capitalise on the American Dream.
Set in New York during the winter of 1981, a year with one of the highest crime rates in American history, the film follows businessman Abel Morales (Isaac), who runs a heating oil distribution business with his wife Anna (Chastain) in Long Island.
They’re hoping to expand the business by purchasing a new facility that would give them a huge advantage over the rival companies flexing their muscle to disrupt Abel’s business plans.
Determined to succeed by ethical means alone, Abel finds it increasingly difficult to remain moral in a world of corruption and greed. When the violence and intimidation begin to encroach on not only their business but their family life, the couple must decide how far they are willing to go in order to realise their lofty ambitions.
With its beautifully composed wide shots of a grey, grimy New York and fantastic period detail, the film echoes Sidney Lumet and early Scorsese, and is certainly not out of place amongst such heavyweights of American cinema. This is brooding, slow-burn cinema that builds the tension scene by scene, and an exquisite examination of ambition, corruption, loyalty and greed.