99 Homes is one of those indies that could easily slip through the cracks at the box office but deserves some word-of-mouth love – even from a ‘Mainstream Chick’. It’s a compelling, timely, and well-acted drama that will surely hit (too) close to home for anyone who lost their home – or came close– during the housing crisis. The film puts a human face on a national disaster that allowed certain individuals and institutions to profit off the misfortune of others who got in over their heads financially, largely due to the failure of banks and government agencies to provide proper guidance, intervention, or oversight.
The film stars Andrew Garfield as Dennis Nash, a construction worker and single dad who loses his livelihood – and his home – when the market collapses. His only chance to win it back is to go to work for Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), the ruthless, charismatic real estate broker who evicted him in the first place. Garfield and Shannon both provide award-consideration-worthy performances. Garfield especially shows off his range. Yes, he can do both the blockbuster action-hero Spiderman and the conflicted blue-collar guy who starts to lose his moral compass while trying to do right by his family.
Check it out:
Sounds like this should be shown in schools as a prelude to a conversation about developing public policy. Looks good. Hope people see it