Spent

Spent, released in 2017, is an American black comedy and film noir that revives the vintage aesthetics of the 1940s era, set in a quaint small-town scene, bursting with contrasting eccentric characters. Leveraging the director's love for old-world charm, the film artfully orchestrates a gripping and alignment-shifting narrative that keeps the viewers hooked, showcasing the fragile human relationships and familial ties.

The film’s core plot revolves around a hilariously bitter yet love-infused struggle for money. Directed by Lisa Mikitarian, the movie boasts a relatively fresh-faced cast, featuring Connie Lamothe, Darren Barzegar, Nick Nerangis, and others, who brilliantly breathe life into their respective characters. Spent is Mikitarian's debut feature film, and she delivers an engaging story that brilliantly toes the line between drama and comedy.

Spent is a delighting combination of quirky humor and dramatic suspense, weaving an engaging story that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The narrative unfolds in the ordinary, almost monotonous world of the charming yet cunning Rudolph family. This tranquility is disrupted as the characters find themselves lured into a bizarre drama entailing life, death, and not to forget, money.

The movie introduces us to the family matriarch, Evelyn Rudolph, portrayed by Connie Lamothe. She is a self-sacrificing and money-hoarding woman who struggles through her life to make ends meet. Her character's gripping portrayal adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the eccentric elements of the plot. Her sons, Herbert and Lonnie Rudolph, are played by Nick Nerangis and Darren Barzegar, respectively. They are her polar opposites, in their frivolous, spendthrift ways, indulging in the guilty pleasures of their dreams and ambitions.

The delightfully sinister plot kicks into motion as the family patriarch Raymond Rudolph, who everyone thought would die from his terminal illness, shockingly recovers despite all odds. This sudden twist sets a series of chaotic events into motion, as the eccentric family members scramble to manage their over-spent savings. Adding to the mix are some shade-y and comic sideshows in the quaint small town, in the likes of a gambler, a trophy wife, and a passionate lover, stirring up the plot and leading to unexpected and humorous situations.

The film's engaging and quirky narrative is punctuated by layers of dark humor, twisted situations, and comical surprises. It sheds light on the characters' ordinary yet extraordinary lives in their struggle to deal with an unexpected change of fortune. Moreover, it humorously touches upon the darker aspects of human desire and greed, painted against a seemingly ordinary familial backdrop.

Set against the backdrop of a charmingly quaint small town that breathes an old-world charm, the film is visually appealing. The 1940s ambiance adds a unique character to the movie, providing a refreshing other-era feel that complements the narrative's charm. The vintage aesthetics also help to accentuate the characters’ quirks.

Notably, Spent cleverly leverages subtle character development, leading to surprising reveals about their personalities as the story progresses. This, coupled with the dramatic tension and laughter-filled scenes, creates a gripping and compelling narrative that keeps the audience invested in the fates of its eccentric characters.

All in all, Spent is a fun, emotion-filled movie that mixes dramatic suspense and quirky humor to create a fantastic cinematic experience. It is a unique, darkly humorous take on human relationships, personal ambitions, and the lengths to which one can go for their desires. While it deals with potentially sensitive topics like death and greed, the movie maintains a light and humorous tone. Connie Lamothe, Darren Barzegar, and Nick Nerangis's acting prowess amplifies the movie's charm, making it a must-watch for fans of comedy and drama alike. If you're in the mood for a twisted comedy that offers more than just laughs, Spent won't disappoint.