Gringo

Gringo is an action-comedy movie released in 2018, which combines an ensemble cast of noteworthy actors to deliver a story measured in laughs, thrills, and wild shenanigans. Directed by Nash Edgerton, the film boasts an impressive line-up of talent including his brother Joel Edgerton, dynamic actress Charlize Theron, and the brilliant David Oyelowo at the heart of the storyline, along with other commendable performers like Sharlto Copley, Amanda Seyfried, and Thandie Newton.

Set in the backdrop of the cutthroat pharmaceutical industry, Gringo introduces us to Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo), an affable, law-abiding Nigerian immigrant settled in Chicago. Driven by an ethos of honesty, Harold is a mid-level executive at Promethium Pharmaceuticals, a company co-owned by his friend Richard Rusk (Joel Edgerton) and the cold-blooded Elaine Markinson (Charlize Theron). Harold’s own life seems quite mundane, complete with a looming financial crisis and a disloyal wife. However, what follows quickly propels the narrative from an office in Chicago to the gritty underground of Mexico.

When Harold travels to Mexico for a routine business trip with Richard and Elaine, he unsuspectingly gets embroiled in a chaotic web spun of corporate deceit and criminal pursuits. Promethium Pharmaceuticals, we learn, has been engaged in some murky business practices across the border. An experimental cannabis pill, nicknamed 'the weed pill,' is under illegal production and distribution, attracting the unsavoury interest of local cartels, international mercenaries, and law enforcers.

As Harold discovers the nefarious operations of his employers and realizes the dire personal predicaments he’s been plunged into, he pontificates feigning his kidnapping with hopes of extracting a ransom from his unscrupulous company. However, this desperate attempt to gain control of his spiralling life sends him hurtling down a rabbit hole of trouble. Our timid, law-abiding Harold soon becomes a pawn in a game far more dangerous than he could ever have comprehended.

The narrative of Gringo is a wild roller coaster ride, veering off into unexpected directions and boldly flipping between comedy and thrill while maintaining an edge-of-the-seat tempo. It balances a variety of characters, each expertly crafted and brilliantly portrayed. The movie excels in its black comedy, which is used to great effect to critique the unseemly side of corporations, skewering the manipulative tactics companies employ, and the ruthless lengths they go to safeguard their interests.

David Oyelowo delivers a standout performance, injecting life into Harold with slapstick humour, vulnerability, and dramatic aptitude. Joel Edgerton is effortlessly convincing as the dashing and ruthless Richard, and Charlize Theron's portrayal of Elaine, a power-hungry executive with questionable morals, is gripping to watch. These, along with lively performances from the supporting cast, create a rich tapestry of characters that are as engaging as they are diverse.

Director Nash Edgerton skilfully weaves multiple story threads into a cohesive and entertaining whole, blending action, humour, and drama to create an engaging, sometimes offbeat, cinematic experience. Captivating plot twists keep the audience guessing while the skilful layering of humour and tragedy invests you in the story. The film's pacing and tone, guided by the nuanced direction, make Gringo an entertaining joyride.

Aussie composer Christophe Beck adds another layer of richness to the film with his score, which skillfully underpins the shifting moods and scenes. Cinematographer Eduard Grau does justice to the brief, making excellent use of the locations, and capturing the contrast between the sterile corporate landscape of America and the vibrant chaos of Mexico beautifully.

With its dark humour, Gringo takes you on a wild ride, eliciting both laughter and shock in equal measure. Its unpredictable narrative, combined with strong performances and engaging direction, make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch. It's a movie that isn't afraid to push boundaries and take risks and is all the more rewarding for it. Whether you're a fan of action, comedy, or thriller genres, Gringo serves up a distinctive cocktail that's sure to entertain.