Arizona

Arizona is a dark comedy-thriller movie released in 2018. The film, which is set against the backdrop of the U.S. housing crisis in 2009, stars renowned actors such as Danny McBride, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Lolli Sorenson. The movie is directed by Jonathan Watson (his directorial debut), known for his work on the cult television show "Eastbound & Down." The script was written by Luke Del Tredici, who previously worked on the popular sitcom "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

In the film, Danny McBride plays the role of Sonny, a disgruntled homeowner in the area of Harding, Arizona, who is struggling with the collapse of the real estate market. McBride effortlessly embodies the intensity and absurdity of Sonny, turning the role into a memorable, hilarious, and at the same time, terrifying character.

The narrative is primarily driven by the actions of Sonny as he interacts with Rosemarie DeWitt’s character, Cassie, a recently divorced real estate agent. Cassie happens to be the unfortunate witness of Sonny's impromptu crime, setting off a chain of events filled with thrills and dark humor as she attempts to stay alive, protect her daughter Morgan, (played by Lolli Sorenson), and seek help from the law enforcement of the struggling small town.

The location of the story perfectly complements the narrative. The setting of Harding, Arizona uses the deserted foreclosure landscape created by the housing crisis, riddled with 'For Sale' signs, barren streets, and unoccupied homes to add a sense of eeriness to the plot. This backdrop creates an interesting comparison between the economic desperation people faced during the housing crisis, and the physical desperation Cassie endures while attempting to navigate the dangerous situation she's caught in.

The tone of the film is a unique blend of dark humor and thriller, favoring neither but incorporating both into a seamless narrative. McBride’s performance is exceptional in maintaining this tone, displaying his ability to provide comic relief while also infusing scenes with tension and suspense. Rosemarie DeWitt plays the part of Cassie with immense strength and conviction, perfectly portraying the character's fear, defiance, and resilience, which lends a compelling balance to McBride's chaos.

Young actress Lolli Sorenson perfectly portrays the young, scared, but surprisingly resourceful daughter caught in this chain of dangerous events. Jonathan Watson uses Sorenson's character to skillfully add an additional layer of urgency and anxiety to Cassie's predicament.

Arizona plays out like a roller-coaster, starting out at a slow pace giving the audience a basic understanding of the characters then plunging into a series of events filled with suspense and unpredictability. The arc of the film might even allow a viewer to sympathize with Sonny while fearing him, make them root for Cassie while questioning her choices, and leave them laughing at situations they perhaps shouldn't find funny.

The unique feature of the movie is its successful merger of two opposing genres- a dark comedy and a thriller. The unpredictability and suspense of a thriller coupled with dark humor and occasional laugh-out-loud moments create an interesting viewing experience.

The music score, created by Joseph Stephens, intensifies the tense atmosphere of the movie while the production design by Lauren Fitzsimmons flawlessly illustrates a town affected by the housing bubble with empty homes, deserted streets, and general air of desolation—creating a captivating backdrop for this unique hostage drama.

From a production standpoint, the film effectively uses its relatively low budget, heightening the atmosphere with lighting and an effective sound design that both complements and heightens the intended tone of the movie. Watson's experience in the television industry shows in the movie's pacing, moving the story along at an engaging pace even as it balances moments of humor with those of fear and suspense.

In conclusion, Arizona is a twisted, intense, and often hilarious ride that shows the disastrous consequences of desperate times and is marked by strong performances from Danny McBride and Rosemarie DeWitt. It takes a unique perspective on the 2009 housing crisis in the United States and provides a telling commentary on the human condition under severe strain. Arizona is sure to provide viewers with suspense, laughter, and an overall thrilling cinematic experience.