Wealth’s Deadly Wake

Read Time:4 Minute, 34 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
A Simple Plan [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1998, 2024 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 2h 1m
Director(s): Sam Raimi
Writer(s): Scott B. Smith
Cast: Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, Brent Briscoe, Jack Walsh, Chelcie Ross, Becky Ann Baker, Gary Cole, Bob Davis, Peter Syvertsen, Tom Carey, John Paxton
Where To Watch: available November 19, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the icy grips of a Minnesota winter, the unraveling of ordinary lives plays out in A SIMPLE PLAN. This film shifts Sam Raimi’s directorial gaze from his typical horror spectacles to a compellingly chilly thriller. This movie, based on Scott B. Smith’s novel and adapted into a screenplay by the author himself, delves into ethical quandaries and the fragility of human nature when confronted with sudden and unanticipated wealth. Far from being just a crime story, this narrative digs into the impacts of greed and tests the moral fiber of its characters against a backdrop of stark, wintry landscapes.

Bill Paxton plays Hank Mitchell, an everyman accountant whose simple life with his pregnant wife, Sarah (Bridget Fonda), and their cozy home is disrupted by a macabre discovery. Alongside his brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton) and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe), Hank stumbles upon a crashed airplane hidden in the forest. The scene they uncover is grim: a deceased pilot and a cache of cash amounting to millions.

As the trio traverses the chilling scenes, their ethical compasses tremble under the treasure's weight. Hank, initially the group’s anchor to morality, begins to capitulate under the heavy potential of new-found riches, orchestrating a dangerous deception. Sarah’s transformation from dismay to determination mirrors the corrupting power of the fortune, while Jacob’s emotional and ethical turmoil paints him as the narrative’s tragic hero. These shifts in character dynamics are portrayed with gripping intensity, showcasing the complex psychological landscapes of each character.

The film explores human duality and the ease with which a civilized mask can crumble under opportunistic greed. A SIMPLE PLAN is a deep dive into the psyche of its protagonists, exploring how quickly the allure of quick wealth can dismantle a lifetime of moral integrity. Hank’s evolution from an unwilling participant to a cunning mastermind of their increasingly desperate schemes highlights a profound narrative of ethical disintegration.

The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances that resonate with authenticity and depth. Briscoe’s portrayal of Lou injects unpredictability into the plot, driving the story toward its inevitable conclusion. The actors' chemistry enhances the story, rendering their descent into moral ambiguity riveting and harrowing.

A SIMPLE PLAN is a reflective examination of greed, consequences, and the often-blurred line between right and wrong. Raimi directs sensibly, transforming a conventional thriller into a moral inquiry. The film engages with its plot and invites viewers to ponder their responses to similar moral tests.

Standing distinctively in Raimi’s diverse directorial repertoire, A SIMPLE PLAN proves his ability to navigate complex emotional and ethical landscapes. It is a standout project that delves into more than just the horror of human actions—it explores the horror of human decisions.

Bonus Materials
A new 4K remaster from the original negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Sam Raimi
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio and optional lossless stereo audio
Optional English subtitles for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and hard-of-hearing
Brand new audio commentary by critics Glenn Kenny and Farran Smith Nehme
Brand new audio commentary by production designer Patrizia von Brandenstein with filmmaker Justin Beahm
Of Ice and Men, a newly filmed interview with cinematographer Alar Kivilo
Standing Her Ground, a newly filmed interview with actor Becky Ann Baker
Dead of Winter, a newly filmed interview with actor Chelcie Ross
On-set interviews with Paxton, Thornton, Fonda, Raimi, and producer Jim Jacks
Behind-the-scenes footage
Theatrical trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Griffin
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Bilge Ebiri and an excerpt from the book The Unseen Force: The Films of Sam Raimi by John Kenneth Muir

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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