A Most Violent Year

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Violence    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens January 23, 2015

Runs 125 Minutes

It's 1981 in New York City. Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) runs an independent oil/gas transport business. Along with his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain), he tries to expand his business without getting into bed with the violent and corrupt players all around him. As the city faces one of the most violent years in it's history, Abel is pushed to the brink as he tries to protect his famiy and company.

This is a well-acted but very deliberate film. Scenes are played out slowly. All of the details are very true to the times, including the clothing, cars and furniture. A few times I just wanted them to pick up a cell phone and get help but this was 1981 - no cell phones! It made you think about how different things are today. The story builds and there is tension and concern but this is not a shoot-em up, per se. It slowly builds to the climax and takes you along for the ride. Definitely worth seeing. 

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