Opening in theaters on August 23rd, ‘Greedy People’ attempts to carve out its place in the genre of darkly comic crime thrillers. With an ensemble cast led by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel, the film promises a quirky, twisted tale of greed, corruption, and small-town chaos. But does it deliver on its potential, or does it get lost in its own ambitions?
A Promising Premise Falls Short
The concept behind ‘Greedy People’ is intriguing: a rookie cop and his corrupt partner stumble upon a large sum of money at a crime scene, setting off a chain reaction of greed-fueled madness among the quirky residents of a small island town. It’s a setup ripe for dark humor, tense moments, and character-driven drama. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The film aspires to stand alongside the classics of the genre, like the Coen brothers’ ‘Fargo’ or ‘Burn After Reading,’ but it never quite reaches those heights. The script, penned by Mike Vukadinovich, is uneven, oscillating between moments of sharp wit and others that fall flat. The tonal shifts are jarring, making it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the story or its characters.
Direction and Script: A Missed Opportunity
Director Potsy Ponciroli, best known for his work on smaller indie projects, struggles to find a cohesive vision for ‘Greedy People.’ The film is plagued by a lack of focus, with scenes that feel disjointed and a narrative that meanders without a clear sense of direction. While Ponciroli elicits strong performances from his cast, the film’s pacing and structure undermine their efforts.
The script, unfortunately, doesn’t do the film any favors. Vukadinovich’s previous work on TV shows like ‘Kidding’ and Marvel’s ‘Runaways’ showcased his ability to blend humor with darker themes, but ‘Greedy People’ feels like a step backward. The dialogue lacks the punch needed to elevate the story, and the characters, though quirky, feel more like caricatures than fully realized individuals.
Standout Performances Amidst the Chaos
Despite the film’s shortcomings, the cast manages to shine in certain moments. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a standout performance as Terry, the corrupt cop whose moral compass has long been shattered. Gordon-Levitt brings a manic energy to the role, fully embracing the character’s sleazy, morally bankrupt nature. His performance is both entertaining and unsettling, providing some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Himesh Patel, playing the rookie cop Will, serves as the audience’s entry point into the bizarre world of ‘Greedy People.’ While Patel is effective in his role, his character is somewhat overshadowed by Gordon-Levitt’s larger-than-life presence. The dynamic between the two actors is interesting, but it never fully clicks, leaving Patel’s performance feeling a bit underwhelming by comparison.
Tim Blake Nelson, a veteran of the Coen brothers’ films, brings his usual charm and quirkiness to the role of a scheming shrimp company owner. Nelson knows this type of material well, and his performance is one of the highlights of the film. However, like much of the cast, he is given little to work with, and his character’s arc feels predictable.
Lily James, who plays Will’s pregnant wife, adds a touch of warmth and vulnerability to the film. Her performance is grounded and sincere, providing a necessary counterbalance to the chaos unfolding around her. Unfortunately, her character is underwritten, and James is left to do the best she can with the limited material.
Final Thoughts: A Disjointed Journey
‘Greedy People’ is a film that had the potential to be something special but ultimately falls short of its ambitions. While there are moments of brilliance and a few strong performances, the film’s lack of focus and uneven script prevent it from leaving a lasting impact. The tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues make it difficult to fully engage with the story, and by the time the credits roll, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment.
For fans of dark comedies and small-town crime thrillers, ‘Greedy People’ may still offer some entertainment value. However, those looking for a film that matches the wit and depth of the genre’s best examples may want to temper their expectations.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10 stars
In summary, ‘Greedy People’ is a film that promises much but delivers little. While the cast gives it their all, the disjointed script and lackluster direction prevent the film from achieving greatness. It’s a worthy effort, but one that ultimately fails to hit its mark.