'99 Homes' Review: A Riveting Comentary on the Mortgage and Housing Crisis
Over the years Ramin Bahrani has been dedicated to tell stories about the middle class and the struggles of living in a modern society. With "Chop Shop" he explored the life of a street-smart orphan trying to better his life and in "At Any Price" he explored the modern agricultural world and the farming business. In his latest film "99 Homes," the director explores the modern economic world and the hardships of the middle class paying their mortgages. The film is led by two spellbinding performances that making for a suspenseful and thrilling ride.
The movie tells the story of Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield), a construction worker, who is evicted from his home by a real estate shark Mike Carver (Michael Shannon). As a result Nash must do whatever it takes to get his home back even if it means working for Carver.
What ensues is a Faustian tale of morality in which Nash is forced to question his acts. On the one hand Nash has to provide for his family and is having a hard time finding a job. When Carver offers him work, Nash is a bit hesitant at first, but the idea of making money and being able to recover his house is what motivates him to take the job no matter who it's from.
While the work is only construction at first, the stakes escalate as Nash is forced to evict others from their houses while doing some blatant illegal acts on the side. Bahrani does not make it easy on the character as Nash has already gone through this trauma, and Nash must question whether his actions are right or wrong. In a montage in which Nash Evicts a number of people, Bahrani pays close attention to his actor Garfield's face, which reveals torment and compassion. The director holds on Garfield for a good amount of time allowing the audience to see Nash and really showing it in his perspective. He also makes sure to show the people who are evicted, and in those shots he particularly pays close attention to the children, which adds to the frustration Nash has while at work.
This is all the more powerful especially since Bahrani has dedicated multiple shots to Nash's son Connor (Noah Lomax). During Nash's eviction, Connor is the main focus once he arrives from school. Bahrani makes sure to show the boy's suffering of not being able to go to the same school and not being able to sleep in his bed. And when Nash is finally able to provide for his family, Bahrani focuses on the overjoyed boy.
All these sequences only make it more frustrating for Nash to make the decision of staying or leaving his job. And they are even more complicated by Michael Shannon's devilish Carver who tempts him with more money, power, status and safety. One of the most powerful sequences in the film is at Carver's mansion in which he uses Noah's ark as a metaphor for America. Carver tells him that most people will drown and only few will survive.
The movies visuals emphasis the moral of the tale and water is particularly important in the movie. Throughout the film Carver is surrounded by Water in his lavish homes and the luxurious world he lives in. It is life-giving for the upper class in a way that the middle class in Florida has no access to. In fact in a number of sequences, pool cables and air conditions are unplugged and Carver has Nash disconnect a hose that was providing water from one house to another. However, as Nash buries himself in this world, Bahrani brings attention to the fact that he is drowning in it. One of the most striking image in the film is a reflection of the water as Nash is lying down drunk and passed out. Bahrani holds the shot for a few seconds emphasizing Nash's state.
The film is also helped by the incredible work from its cast. Andrew Garfield gives a tour de force performance as Nash. Garfield's performance shows the layers of this character as a father, a worker and as a survivor. Garfield's stuttering voice adds to the complexity of his character and the hard choices he must make.
Meanwhile Laura Dern's sensitive performance is the heart and soul of the film. During a confrontational scene with Garfield, Bahrani holds on Dern's face and through her expression one realizes that her character knows what is going on. It is a heartbreaking moment but one that is visceral and unforgettable.
Michael Shannon's Carver is also wonderful as he bring his charismatic persona to this real estate mogul. Shannon gives the characters some humanity particularly through his interactions with his daughters, and it is easily a tender moment. However, throughout the film, particularly during his monologue about America, he is vicious and crude.
All in all "99 Homes" is not an easy watch and may turn some people off. However, it is a film that resonates with today's housing crisis and one that most audiences can definitely relate to. "99 Homes" is a suspenseful and shocking film that will leave audiences thinking about it for days to come.
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