A Most Violent Year (2014)
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A fuel supplier struggles to maintain his moral integrity while navigating the violent corruption of the 1980s New York heating oil business.
The story
In 1981 New York City, oil company owner Abel Morales faces a series of violent hijackings and a rigorous investigation by an Assistant District Attorney into illegalities in the heating oil business. While his wife Anna urges him to fight back against the escalating violence, Abel remains committed to his legitimate business reputation. Seeking to expand, Morales attempts to purchase a fuel oil terminal on the East River, but faces significant financial hurdles and threats from competitors. As the criminal environment worsens, Morales must navigate dangerous loans and personal sacrifices to secure his company's future.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1981 New York City, oil company owner Abel Morales deals with frequent truck hijackings and a government investigation into his heating oil business. Despite his wife Anna's pleas to use violence to protect their interests, Abel tries to maintain a moral stance. He attempts to purchase a fuel oil terminal on the East River but finds his bank refuses to finance it due to the surrounding crime. He eventually secures a loan from competitors and takes out a mortgage on a building owned with his brother. After a confrontation with a hijacker and a competitor, he is still short on funds. His wife Anna reveals she has been skimming money from the company into a secret account, which they use to finalize the purchase. Following the acquisition, a former driver named Julian arrives with a gun and commits suicide after a brief exchange. Finally, Morales meets with Assistant District Attorney Lawrence, who hints at political influence in exchange for help with his higher aspirations. Morales maintains that he has always taken the path that is 'most right'.
- First release year
- 2014
- Runtime (minutes)
- 125
- Production countries
- United States; United Arab Emirates
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- J. C. Chandor
- Writers
- J. C. Chandor · writer; J. C. Chandor · director
- Cast and characters
- Oscar Isaac · Abel Morales; Jessica Chastain · Anna; David Oyelowo; Alessandro Nivola · Peter Forente; Albert Brooks · Andrew Walsh; Catalina Sandino Moreno; Ashley Williams; Elyes Gabel
- Genres
- crime drama; action thriller; crime thriller; business; romantic drama
- Themes
- moral integrity; corruption; violence vs. non-violence; business ethics
- Tone and mood
- gritty; gripping; atmospheric; low-boil tension
- Setting
- New York City, 1981
- Premise and plot tags
- crime; thriller; business; historical
- Content notes
- violence
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim, with praise for the performances of Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. It was noted for its atmospheric tension and complex plot, with many critics comparing the director's style to Sidney Lumet.
- Awards and nominations
- Best Film · National Board of Review Awards · 86th · Won; Best Actor · National Board of Review Awards · 86th · Won; Best Supporting Actress · National Board of Review Awards · 86th · Won; Best Supporting Actress · Critics' Choice Awards · 20th · Nominated; Best Supporting Actress · Golden Globe Awards · 72nd · Nominated
- Production trivia
- The film was initially shown at only four U.S. theaters before expanding nationwide.; The musical score was influenced by the culture and life of the 1980s, specifically thinking of Miami Vice and Scarface.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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