Money

Money is a fast-paced, thrilling movie from 2016 directed by Martín Rosete. This indie feature film has been able to grasp the attention of a vast audience with its gripping storyline and dynamism that captures the essence of wealth, deceit, and revenge. The movie has a compelling ensemble cast, starring Jesse Williams, Jamie Bamber, and Kellan Lutz in the leading roles. Willing to twist the knife are two hedge fund managers, a tempting blonde, a jealous friend all clashing in a world of prosperity and treachery.

The movie centers around the lives of two wealthy business executives, Mark (played by Jesse Williams) and Sean (played by Jamie Bamber), living a life in upstate New York filled with luxury, comfort, and materialistic pleasures. They hold high ranking jobs in an hedge fund firm and are shown as shrewd, ambitious individuals striving relentlessly to maintain their wealth. Their jaded lifestyle gets upended when a business acquaintance storms into their lives with a money bag worth 5 million dollars, inflaming a fierce chain of events that trouble their quiet existence.

Jesse Williams, famed for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery in Grey's Anatomy, breaks away from his usual heroic roles to play the cavalier and slick Mark. Jamie Bamber, popular for his roles in Battlestar Galactica and Law & Order: UK, brilliantly portrays the shrewd and calculative Sean.

Then there's Kellan Lutz, playing the charismatic and mysterious John. His character begins to unravel as the plot advances, introducing an unexpected level of complexity and intrigue. Lutz, known for his roles in the Twilight Saga and The Legend of Hercules, is impressive as John, carrying an air of secrecy and adding significant depth to the narrative.

The narrative further thickens when Sylvia, played by the stunning Lucía Guerrero, steps into the picture as a beautiful and cunning enticement added into this already heated mix of rivalry and suspicion. Guerrero, a popular Spanish model, plays Sylvia's seductive, mysterious role remarkably well, leaving viewers mesmerized.

Money combines elements of thrilling mystery with powerful displays of human greed and subterfuge, making audiences second guess every character's motive. A crucial element of the film, however, is how money serves as a catalyst, propelling the characters into an unavoidable spiral of events. Viewers are left questioning who the real antagonist is in this story is it the wealth, the characters, or their uncontrollable greed?

From a technical standpoint, the film is brilliantly crafted. Director Martín Rosete captures the deceit-ridden world of finance with stark precision, revealing how money can be both a blessing and curse. The film’s editing and cinematography are also commendable, providing a sleek look that matches the suave personalities of its characters. The director's subtle use of visual cues and symbolism add to the depth of the film, making the narrative even more engrossing.

The screenplay, written by Josep Ciutat, is filled with tension and high-stakes drama, with dialogue that not only builds tension and suspense but explores the underlying themes of corruption, ambition, and betrayal. Each scene has been meticulously scripted to maintain high intensity and suspense, keeping the audience engaged from the opening to the chilling climax.

Money is a gripping psychological drama, revealing an unpredictable narrative about wealth, prioritizing material over morality, and the hidden layers of human nature when money comes into the picture. The performances are intense, the writing sharp and the direction commendable, together working to create a cinematic experience that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking. This film is a must-watch for fans of thrilling drama and suspense narratives.