Everybody Is Raving About Oscar Isaac In Frankenstein, But A 2014 Crime Thriller With Jessica Chastain Is My Favorite Of His

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Oscar Isaac consistently stands out as one of today’s most talented actors. He’s incredibly versatile, moving seamlessly between roles like Moon Knight and the lead in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein film.

It’s great to see Isaac thriving in projects like In the Hand of Dante, and he’s definitely believable in the Star Wars universe – he might even revisit that role someday, depending on the circumstances. But honestly, there’s one of his movies that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, which is really frustrating because it’s my personal favorite.

I still can’t believe A Most Violent Year from 2014 didn’t get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture – it’s truly a fantastic film. Like The Lighthouse or even Ex Machina with Oscar Isaac, it really deserved recognition. I want to tell you why I think it’s so great, and I’m about to explain what makes it special.

Oscar Isaac’s Moral Code Has Never Been Grayer In A Movie

Here’s a fun fact: Javier Bardem was originally considered for the role Isaac ultimately played in A Most Violent Year. I recently wrote about Bardem in connection with another lesser-known film. But honestly, I can’t picture anyone else playing the part now – Isaac perfectly captures the character’s mix of vulnerability and intensity.

The film features a fuel supplier named Abel Morales who’s facing a serious issue: his deliveries are constantly being robbed. The story takes place in New York City in 1981, a particularly crime-ridden year. To make matters worse, an assistant district attorney (David Oyelowo) is investigating Morales’ company for potential wrongdoing.

Adding to his already overwhelming problems, Morales is dealing with a complex situation. His lawyer (played by Albert Brooks, who I’ll discuss later) is trying to secure a deal with Hasidic Jews for a safer fuel storage location. Meanwhile, his wife (Jessica Chastain, who I’ll also mention shortly) believes in fighting back against those who keep stealing their fuel. Essentially, Morales is a proactive character forced to make tough choices – and sometimes bend the rules – to get the job done and secure the necessary funds.

The situations Isaac finds himself in are shady and ethically complicated, but he navigates them convincingly. You sympathize with his struggles, yet recognize he’s not always making the smartest decisions, which makes his story incredibly compelling.

Jessica Chastain Does Not Mess Around In This Movie. Like, Not Even A Little

Look, I’ve always been a fan of Jessica Chastain – she was incredible in Zero Dark Thirty, really commanding. But in this movie, she’s a completely different beast. She plays the wife of the main character, and she’s not happy when their business starts getting messed with. Honestly, she’s the one pushing for a more aggressive response – she wants them to take the fight to whoever’s causing trouble, and she’s convinced it’s their competitors. She’s all about bringing the heat, and it’s awesome.

It’s clear Isaac doesn’t want to end up in that situation, and he’d do almost anything to avoid it. However, Anna, played by Chastain, won’t let it go – she’s so determined she’ll even talk to the Assistant District Attorney who is relentlessly pursuing them. Coming from a criminal family herself, Anna operates with an even more flexible sense of right and wrong than her husband.

There’s a fascinating duality to Chastain’s character. She projects a calm exterior, but clearly possesses a strong will and a relentless drive to achieve her goals. She’s willing to go to any lengths to get what she wants—even if it involves questionable financial dealings, which may be the reason she’s currently facing legal scrutiny.

Jessica Chastain, much like the film she was in, deserved an Oscar nomination (though she did receive nominations from other prestigious organizations, like the Golden Globes). Her performance was truly outstanding, on par with Oscar Isaac’s.

And My God, Albert Brooks Should Have Also Been Nominated For This Movie

Like the iconic Robin Williams, Albert Brooks might be more talented as a dramatic actor than as a comedian. I previously mentioned his excellent performance in the movie Drive, where he played a convincing mobster.

In A Most Violent Year, he plays a quieter, but still impactful, role as Andrew Walsh, Morales’s lawyer. He’s the one who initiates the deal with the Hasidic community and works to find a way to cover the initial payment. However, because the system is so corrupt, his character attempts to stay within legal boundaries, which is difficult when everyone seems to be involved in shady dealings.

Morales genuinely wants to do the right thing and follow the law, but he quickly finds himself in difficult situations, leading to questionable choices. Brooks’s character tries to guide him and keep him on track. Their strong relationship allows Walsh to understand exactly how far Morales is willing to go – and what lines he won’t cross.

I was really struck by the subtlety of the performance – it’s quiet, but incredibly effective. Honestly, it just reinforces my feeling that this film deserves a much wider audience. It’s a movie people should still be discovering and discussing.

New York City Has Never Felt So Threatening

I’m a New Jersey native – the state that gave us shows like The Sopranos and Jersey Shore, and even the cult classic superhero, The Toxic Avenger. Because I’m from North Jersey, I feel a strong connection to New York City. People in South Jersey tend to be more fans of Philadelphia.

I often travel to New York City and have seen it change a lot over the years. As an adult, I’ve experienced the city both before and after the 9/11 attacks, and the differences are significant. It’s become a much safer place thanks to different mayors, and I now feel comfortable bringing my kids to events like Broadway shows and Comic Con, even when it’s late at night.

I also grew up hearing about New York in the ‘80s and remembering it from the ‘90s, and this movie really gets that sense of danger and mystery right. It portrays a New York where people could be kidnapped in broad daylight, and criminals openly carried guns. It’s a city where crime was out in the open, and the authorities seemed unable to fully control it.

The film A Most Violent Year lives up to its title, and it’s rare to see a movie that truly does. That leads me to my final thought on the matter.

Overall, It’s A Truly Harrowing Film That Should Be Talked About More

Few movies are as powerfully understated as A Most Violent Year. It builds tension and will leave you feeling stressed, but it does so gradually and deliberately, unlike the more frantic pace of Uncut Gems (which also deserved a Best Picture nomination).

This movie expertly blends crime, thriller, and historical elements with a deep dive into its characters, and that combination is what makes it so good.

As a huge movie fan, I honestly think this is Isaac’s best performance yet. It’s the kind of acting that really stays with you, and I think aspiring actors could learn a lot from watching how he brings such weight and seriousness to the role.

What do you think? Have you seen this film? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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2025-11-16 14:10