Strong performances and convincing 80s production design recommend this dark drama about New York corruption. Rising star Oscar Isaac is deadly serious in the lead role as an immigrant businessman tied to the mob by his local wife, played with panache by Jessica Chastain. She steals the movie, per usual, as a wolf in vintage sheep's clothing who was well-taught by her connected father.

The movie feels like it has some grander aspirations that are never quite achieved, and the title's violence is sparse, though striking when it does erupt. A pair of fuel truck heists in traffic are shot with measured intensity, as writer/director J.C. Chandor captures emotion through the action. Along with the helmer's first two films, the Wall Street crash pic Margin Call (2011) and Redford-centric sailing drama All is Lost (2013), this movie solidifies him as an emergent auteur.

A Most Violent Year is a slow burn noir that confidently establishes a deep criminal underworld of which we're only shown glimpses. The director's vision and restraint are admirable, as are the traps his screenplay springs on us in the third act, but like his flawed protagonist, perhaps he aims a bit high.

Final Grade: B | 85/100 | ★★★