Crisis

Crisis is a 2021 crime thriller film that is written, directed, and produced by Nicholas Jarecki. The movie features renowned actor Gary Oldman, who represented Winston Churchill in the award-winning film Darkest Hour, in a central role alongside Armie Hammer, best recognized for his roles in Call Me by Your Name and The Social Network, and Evangeline Lilly, notable from the popular TV Series Lost and Marvel's Ant-Man.

This film is a hard-hitting look at the opioid crisis that has gripped large parts of the United States and beyond. The opioid crisis is not just a buzzword for news bulletins; it is a harsh reality that the film confronts. The storyline is divided into three intense narratives that shine a spotlight on the pharmaceutical world, the government organizations that control it, and the dreadful consequences of illegal drug abuse.

First, Oldman takes on the role of Dr. Tyrone Brower, a university professor and dedicated scientist in the world of Big Pharma. Dr. Brower is about to make a chilling discovery revolving around a new "non-addictive" painkiller that his university is on the verge of mass-producing. This discovery triggers a series of events that spiral out of control.

In another narrative, Jake Kelly, portrayed by Armie Hammer, is a hard-nosed drug enforcement agent tasked with a perilous undercover mission to crack down on the narcotics trade. Jake has personal drives for the mission stemming from his fraught brotherhood, which make his narrative emotionally nuanced and gripping.

Evangeline Lilly's character, Claire Reimann, is a recovering addict and architect who is coping with unimaginable personal tragedy. This loss leads her into a relentless pursuit for the truth and justice, anchoring the movie in a powerful and emotional perspective.

Interlaced perfectly, these three narratives contribute to the understanding of the vast and tangled web that Jarecki tries to portray in Crisis. The film deals not only with the subject of drug abuse at an individual level but also sheds light on the involvement of major institutions in perpetuating the crisis. While tackling a complex issue, it personalizes the crisis through the lives of its characters, making it easier for the audience to connect to the wide-ranging impacts of this ongoing issue.

Crisis, like its title suggests, is about many crises. It's about the crisis of the corporate world, the crisis of law enforcement, and personal crises that result from drug-dependent societies. How its characters navigate their respective hurdles forms the crux of this multi-layered narrative.

Gary Oldman's restrained yet electrifying performance, Armie Hammer's relentless determination, and Evangeline Lilly's emotional depth, blend to weave a compelling tapestry of a society in deep trouble. Oldman, as always, brings authenticity to his complex character while Lilly convincingly portrays a grieving mother's will and vengeance. Hammer, too, does justice to his role as the undercover agent trapped in a tight situation.

Crisis stands out for Jarecki's unfiltered portrayal of the complexity beneath the surface of the opioid epidemic. It skilfully combines elements of drama, action, and suspense, engaging the audience throughout to get a profound sense of the far-reaching consequences of this crisis. The film does not shy away from the brutal reality at hand – the disastrous toll of drug abuse and the institutions that are invariably linked to it.

Behind the scenes, the movie is brought to life by striking cinematography from Nicolas Bolduc and an absorbing score from Raphael Reed, that helps in enhancing the mood and atmosphere. The narrative threads eventually converge into a climactic finale that will leave the audience pondering long after the movie ends.

Drawing from real-life incidents and in-depth research, the film provides a striking perspective on pharmaceutical ethics, the limitations of the law, and the devastation of addiction. The movie attempts to unravel the inherent complexities, employing an engaging narrative that pulls audiences into the lives of well-rounded characters.

In its essence, Crisis is a powerful critique of a systemic problem, offering audiences an intricate look into the world of drug abuse, trafficking, and the corporate machinations behind them. It's a sobering exploration of an urgent contemporary issue that could ignite important conversations about society's relationship with drugs. Despite dealing with a dark theme, the movie manages to deliver a gripping viewing experience that sensitively handles the grim reality of the opioid crisis.