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Arizona (2023 film)
“Arizona,” a 2018 American dark comedy thriller film, unfolds in the scorching landscape of Harding, Arizona, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the 2009 real estate housing crisis. Directed by Jonathan Watson and penned by Luke Del Tredici, the movie features a stellar cast including Danny McBride, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Wilson, Elizabeth Gillies, Kaitlin Olson, David Alan Grier, and Lolli Sorenson. Premiering at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and subsequently released by RLJE Films on August 24, 2018, the narrative revolves around Cassie Fowler, a divorced realtor portrayed by Rosemarie DeWitt, navigating the challenges of life in Harding with her 14-year-old daughter, Morgan.
Caught in the grip of financial strain and the harsh realities of the housing market collapse, Cassie’s world takes a dark turn when a confrontation at her workplace leads to a fatal incident involving her aggressive boss, Gary. Subsequently, Cassie becomes entangled in a perilous situation orchestrated by a disgruntled client named Sonny. The movie weaves a gripping tale as Cassie grapples with the aftermath of witnessing a murder, setting the stage for a darkly comedic and suspenseful narrative.
The film’s portrayal of Arizona captures the essence of the region during the tumultuous period, depicting a place where the scorching heat seems to influence people’s behaviors, pushing them to act impulsively. The setting becomes a character in itself, contributing to the twisted and suspenseful atmosphere of the plot.
Despite its unique premise, “Arizona” received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 43% approval rating based on 37 reviews, with an average rating of 5.3/10. Metacritic reflects a similar sentiment, with a weighted average score of 41 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating a reception of “mixed or average reviews.” “Arizona” stands as a darkly comedic exploration of the human psyche against the backdrop of economic turmoil in the arid landscapes of Arizona.
Summary
Amidst the turbulent landscape of the 2009 housing crisis, the movie “Arizona” unfolds in Harding, a town grappling with the fallout of the real estate meltdown. At the center of the narrative is Cassie Fowler, a divorced realtor trying to weather the storm with her teenage daughter, Morgan, in tow.
The plot takes a sinister turn when Cassie’s confrontational boss, Gary, meets a grim fate during a heated altercation with a client named Sonny. Cassie’s life takes a harrowing twist as she becomes an unwitting witness to the unfolding tragedy. Sonny, fearing the consequences, abducts Cassie, setting off a chain of events that will test her resilience and maternal instincts. As the tension escalates, Sonny’s violent tendencies come to the forefront. The film explores the psychological torment inflicted by Sonny as he subjects Cassie and another unfortunate woman, Vikki, to a nightmarish ordeal. The stakes skyrocket when Sonny kidnaps Morgan, forcing Cassie into a desperate struggle to save her daughter.
The film’s intensity reaches a peak as Cassie, resourceful and determined, manages to escape and seeks help. The involvement of her ex-husband, Scott, and law enforcement adds layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. The narrative takes unexpected turns, leading to tragic consequences and a gripping climax. Amid the chaos, “Arizona” weaves dark humor into the storyline, offering a unique blend of suspense and comedy. The movie’s portrayal of the Arizona desert serves as a fitting backdrop, mirroring the arid landscape of both the characters’ lives and the economic crisis gripping the nation.
In a climactic showdown, Cassie and Morgan confront their assailant, and the film concludes with a symbolic backdrop of fires spreading across the development, echoing the turmoil within the characters and the community. “Arizona” captures the essence of a twisted reality, where the scorching heat serves as a metaphor for the characters’ unraveling sanity. The movie delves into the impulsive actions and survival instincts triggered by the harsh environment, making it a compelling exploration of the human psyche under extreme circumstances.
Tv Series Cast
Top Four Cast
- Danny McBride as by Sonny
- Rosemarie DeWitt as by Cassie Fowler
- Luke Wilson as by Scott
- Elizabeth Gillies as by Kelsey
- Kaitlin Olson as by Vicki
- David Alan Grier as by Coburn
- Lolli Sorenson as by Morgan Fowler
- Seth Rogen as by Gary
Information
| Name | Info |
|---|---|
| Directed | Jonathan Watson |
| Screenplay | Luke Del Tredici |
| Cinematography | Drew Daniels |
| Produced |
|
| Edited | Jeff Seibenick |
| Music | Joseph Stephens |
| Production | Imperative Entertainment Rough House Pictures |
| Distributed | RLJE Films |
| Time | 85 Minutes |
| Country | |
| Languages | English |
| Release | January 20, 2018 (Sundance) |

