Greedy People – Film Review

Potsy Ponciroli‘s Greedy People is a comedy-mystery film that tries to balance the tricky act of blending humor with a murder investigation. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Himesh Patel, Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Tim Blake Nelson, among others. With such a lineup and a promising premise, the film sets high expectations. However, while it delivers in some areas, it falls short in others, resulting in an entertaining but uneven experience.

The story is set in a quaint, isolated island town where everyone knows everyone, and secrets are hard to keep. Officer Will Shelley (Himesh Patel) is the town’s mild-mannered cop who is more accustomed to handling minor disputes than serious crimes. His life takes a drastic turn when a murder is discovered, followed by the mysterious appearance of a large sum of money. The town is thrown into chaos, with suspicions and greed tearing apart the close-knit community.

Shelley is soon joined by Officer Terry Brogan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an overzealous cop from the mainland who sees this case as his ticket to the big leagues. Together, they form an odd-couple partnership, with Shelley’s laid-back approach clashing with Brogan’s aggressive style. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they encounter a colorful array of characters, each with their own motives and secrets.

Among the suspects are Paige (Lily James), a seemingly innocent waitress with a mysterious past; Wallace Chetlo (Tim Blake Nelson), a reclusive fisherman with a temper; and his wife, Virginia Chetlo (Traci Lords), whose charm and cunning make her a formidable figure in the town. As the plot thickens, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to a series of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the end.

The cast is undoubtedly the film’s strongest asset. Himesh Patel delivers a nuanced performance as Officer Will Shelley, perfectly capturing the character’s mix of sincerity, naivety, and quiet determination. Patel’s portrayal makes Shelley a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, grounding the film even when the plot veers into more absurd territory.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as Officer Terry Brogan, brings his usual charisma to the role, though his character sometimes feels like a caricature of the “big city cop.” His over-the-top energy works in some scenes, adding to the film’s comedic elements, but in others, it feels jarring against the more subdued tone of the mystery.

Lily James shines as Paige, the enigmatic waitress who becomes a key figure in the investigation. Her performance is layered, keeping the audience guessing about her true intentions. Tim Blake Nelson and Traci Lords, as Wallace and Virginia Chetlo, provide some of the film’s most memorable moments. Nelson’s portrayal of Wallace as a gruff, unpredictable character adds tension, while Lords’ Virginia is both seductive and menacing, keeping the viewer on edge.

Potsy Ponciroli’s direction attempts to juggle the film’s dual identities as a comedy and a mystery. While there are moments where this balance is achieved, there are also times when the film struggles to find its footing. The comedic elements, driven largely by the characters’ quirks and the absurdity of the situation, work best in the film’s first half. The small-town setting and the eccentric personalities of the residents create a charming, almost whimsical atmosphere.

However, as the plot thickens and the mystery deepens, the tonal shifts become more noticeable. The film tries to maintain its comedic edge even as the stakes are raised, but this often results in a disjointed experience. For example, scenes that should be tense or suspenseful are sometimes undercut by humor, diluting their impact. Conversely, some of the comedic moments feel out of place within the context of the darker elements of the story.

Michael Vukadinovich’s script is witty and sharp in places, particularly in its dialogue. The banter between Shelley and Brogan provides much of the film’s humor, and the interactions between the townspeople are often amusing. The script also does a good job of creating intrigue, with each character having their own secrets and potential motives.

However, the plot itself is where the film falters. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling, but the pacing is uneven. The first half of the film moves at a leisurely pace, establishing the setting and characters, but as the story progresses, it feels rushed. Key plot points and revelations are sometimes glossed over, and the resolution of the mystery, while surprising, feels somewhat unearned. The film’s reliance on twists and turns, while entertaining, ultimately leads to a conclusion that feels more like a series of contrivances than a satisfying payoff.

The film captures the idyllic yet slightly eerie atmosphere of the small island town. The cinematography makes good use of the setting, with wide shots of the rugged coastline and the quaint, narrow streets giving a sense of isolation and claustrophobia. This helps to build the tension, especially as the town’s dark secrets begin to surface.

The film’s visual style is understated, with a focus on natural lighting and muted colors that reflect the town’s sleepy, almost timeless quality. This contrasts with the occasional bursts of vivid color during key moments, which effectively draw the audience’s attention and signal shifts in the narrative.

Greedy People is a film that has a lot going for it—a talented cast, a unique setting, and a premise that promises both laughs and thrills. However, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The film is enjoyable, with enough charm and intrigue to keep viewers engaged, but it struggles to find a consistent tone. The comedy and mystery elements often clash, leading to an uneven experience that may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.