A Most Violent Year

A Most Violent Year is a 2014 crime drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor, who also produced with Neal Dodson and Anna Gerb. It stars Oscar Isaac as a fuel supplier who tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that threaten his family and his business. The film also stars Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks. A Most Violent Year premiered as the opening film of the 28th AFI Fest on November 6, 2014, and was theatrically released by A24 on December 31, 2014. Despite positive reviews from critics, the film was a box-office bomb, grossing $12 million against a budget of $20 million. It won Best Film, Best Actor for Isaac, and Best Supporting Actress for Chastain at the 86th National Board of Review Awards. Among other accolades, Chastain was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 20th Critics' Choice Awards and the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. Plot In 1981 New York City, trucking company owner Abel Morales has had several trucks hijacked, ones carrying heating oil. Driver Julian is severely beaten by two hijackers. Abel's wife Anna beseeches Abel to fight violence with violence, but he refuses. Morales and his company are under investigation by Assistant District Attorney Lawrence, who seems determined to expose price fixing, tax evasion, and various other illegalities in the heating oil business. Morales's attorney, Andrew Walsh, brokers a deal with a group of Hasidic Jews headed by Joseph Mendelsohn to purchase a fuel oil terminal on the East River for $1.5 million. Morales makes a large down payment with the understanding that he will close in 30 days or lose his money.