Austin Found

Austin Found is a 2017 dark comedy-drama that fuses elements of suburban discontent, high-stakes crime, ambition, and a fascinating look into human psychology. The plot centers on a former beauty queen and devoted mother, Leanne Wilson, played with versatile depth by Linda Cardellini, whose desperate need to catapult her daughter to fame leads her down a path of less-than-stellar judgement.

Leanne, though once a renowned beauty queen in her younger years, now lives an average life in suburban Texas. But inside, she nurtures discontent as normalcy grates on her nerves. The dwindling chances of her own fame and the ardor for a life beyond the ordinary lock horns with her aspiration to provide her daughter with opportunities she never had. The maternal instincts pile up with a lurking sense of desperation, conjuring up a wild plan she believes will serve as a ticket to stardom for her daughter, Patty.

To execute her wild plan, she ropes in her ex-boyfriend Billy, a salty character played masterfully by Skeet Ulrich, to kidnap Patty. She believes the subsequent nationwide attention and sympathy will grant Patty the attention she needs to soar high into fame. However, the plan quickly spirals out of Leanne's control as she navigates her intricate web of deceit, while Billy grows progressively reluctant.

The dynamics change when the private investigator Rufus Jones, portrayed by Craig Robinson, comes into the picture. Rufus, an ethical and committed professional, is hired to find the missing Patty. His involvement in the case subtly reveals the multi-layered texture of the plot, adding more complexity and intrigue to an already twisted storyline.

Linda Cardellini's performance as Leanne is commanding and powerful, painting a vivid picture of a woman burdened with her desperate desires and immense guilt. Her portrayal shows an intricate mix of raw emotion, dark comedy, and a striking maternal sensitivity that evokes both empathy and dismay among audiences.

On the other hand, Skeet Ulrich delivers a convincing performance as Billy, a man caught in his past loves and future repercussions. His empathetic portrayal allows viewers to understand his character's slow awakening to the realities and consequences of the ploy.

Adding another layer of flavor to the film, Craig Robinson's portrayal of Rufus Jones brings an essential groundedness. His character, clearly the moral compass of the narrative, adds suspense as he starts to unravel the mystery behind the twisted plot. Robinson expertly plays this character who has sympathy for the girl he’s tasked to find while maintaining a steadfast ethical stance against the darker elements at play.

"Austin Found" is a stirring journey of ambition, desperation, and human fallibility, where the quest for fame and fortune overpowers virtue. It paints a compelling picture of human ambition amid the suburban mundanity, portrayed through characters that resonate with their flaws, charisma, and raw emotion.

Director Will Raee's storytelling leans more on the darker side of comedy, artistically presenting the insanity lurking within the ordinary lives. Co-written by Brenna Graziano, the script boldly delves into aspects of human nature rarely explored so humorously, often steering the movie into the domain of the absurd, thereby shaping a unique cinematic experience.

The movie expertly balances suspense, drama, comedy, and a subtle indictment of America's fascination with fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Expect surprising twists, well-timed comic relief, and thought-provoking moments that make "Austin Found" an intriguing experience. The location of Austin, Texas, itself plays an integral role in the film, as the socio-cultural landscape influences the characters' motivations, insecurities, aspirations, and consequences.

In conclusion, "Austin Found" is a commendable film that maneuvers the nuances of complex characters and a bold narrative, leavening the darker elements of the plot with well-placed humor. It offers viewers an intriguing look at ambition gone desperately awry, where the typical confines of a suburban life become the playground for a wild, captivating, and frequently comedic exploration of fame and the lengths one might go to achieve it.