Arizona (2018)

Arizona Poster

Set in the midst of the 2009 housing crisis, the life of Cassie Fowler, a single mother and struggling realtor, goes off the rails when she witnesses a murder.

Introduction
"Arizona" is a 2018 dark comedy-thriller movie directed by Jonathan Watson and composed by Luke Del Tredici. Set throughout the background of the 2009 housing crisis, the movie stars Danny McBride, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Wilson, and Elizabeth Gillies. The film deals with styles such as greed, financial desperation, and the lengths to which some will go to accomplish or restore their version of the American dream.

Plot Summary
The film opens in the middle of the 2009 real estate crisis in the suburban wasteland of Harding, Arizona. Cassie Fowler (Rosemarie DeWitt) is a struggling realty representative and single mom trying to endure in a world where houses are declining at a worrying rate. She spends her days attempting to offer foreclosed houses in spite of the depreciated market.

During an open home, Cassie encounters Sonny (Danny McBride), a disgruntled house owner who is furious with his home loan business and has actually reached his wit's end. When Cassie's boss, Gary Michaels (Seth Rogen), arrives at the open home, as he is both the home loan officer who offered Sonny a sly offer along with Sonny's next-door neighbor. Tensions boil over, and a conflict quickly leads to Gary's unexpected death at Sonny's hand.

In panic, Sonny abducts and tries to push Cassie into assisting him cover the criminal offense. Nevertheless, as the stakes intensify, it ends up being obvious that doing so might not be as easy as it appears. News of Gary's disappearance causes self-questioning from Cassie about what it indicates to genuinely rise above monetary difficulty and accomplish the American dream.

Meanwhile, Cassie's ex-husband, Scott (Luke Wilson), goes back to town and tries to bond with their teenage daughter, Morgan (Elizabeth Gillies). As Scott begins to grow suspicious about his ex-wife's sudden disappearance, he decides to do something about it and begins an investigation of his own. It becomes a race against time as Scott attempts to conserve Cassie and Morgan from falling deeper into Sonny's twisted spiral.

Themes and Analysis
"Arizona" uses the 2009 housing crisis and its devastating effect on rural life as the basis for its dark funny. The harsh economic conditions take a toll on the characters, who all struggle to maintain their self-respect and normalcy amidst monetary collapse. This idea is explored through Sonny's character-- driven to the brink of madness by his poor financial state, he ends up being progressively damaging and psychopathic.

The film likewise looks into the impact of lies and deception in both personal and professional relationships. Gary Michaels, Cassie's boss, is an example of an unethical and callous businessperson who flourishes in the corrupt home loan industry. His cunning deceit triggers a cause and effect that eventually causes the characters' desperate actions and entanglements.

Throughout the story, Cassie is portrayed as a resourceful and resilient survivor, determined to safeguard her family and leave her dire scenario. As she ends up being embroiled in Sonny's plans, she begins to question her morals and the lengths she will go to in pursuit of the American dream. This raises the concern of whether the so-called suitable of wealth and success is worth the sacrifices and compromises along the way.

Conclusion
"Arizona" is a darkly humorous thriller that supplies social commentary on the effects of the 2009 housing crisis and the resulting desperation and anguish felt by those who fell victim to it. With its strong efficiencies, particularly from Danny McBride and Rosemarie DeWitt, and a well-paced plot, the movie provides a thought-provoking message about the real expense of the pursuit of the American dream.

Top Cast

  • Danny McBride (small)
    Danny McBride
    Sonny
  • Rosemarie DeWitt (small)
    Rosemarie DeWitt
    Cassie
  • Lolli Sorenson (small)
    Lolli Sorenson
    Morgan
  • Luke Wilson (small)
    Luke Wilson
    Scott
  • Elizabeth Gillies (small)
    Elizabeth Gillies
    Kelsey
  • Kaitlin Olson (small)
    Kaitlin Olson
    Vicki
  • David Alan Grier (small)
    David Alan Grier
    Coburn
  • Travis Hammer (small)
    Travis Hammer
    Shane
  • Kevin Wiggins (small)
    Kevin Wiggins
    Mr. Boychuk
  • Audrey Walters (small)
    Audrey Walters
    Mrs. Boychuk
  • Angelique Midthunder
    Woman