99 Homes

| 2014

Directed by: Ramin Bahrani

Main Plot

99 Homes follows the story of Dennis Nash, a struggling construction worker who faces eviction from his family home due to the housing crisis. After losing his home to a ruthless real estate broker named Rick Carver, Dennis finds himself desperate for work and a way to regain stability for his family. He reluctantly accepts a job with Carver, who operates in the cutthroat world of foreclosures and real estate. As Dennis becomes more entrenched in this morally ambiguous environment, he grapples with the ethical implications of his choices and the impact on his family. The film explores themes of desperation, survival, and the lengths one will go to reclaim a sense of home and security amidst a corrupt system. As Dennis navigates this treacherous landscape, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of the American Dream and the cost of ambition.

Characters

  • Andrew Garfield plays Dennis Nash, a struggling single father who gets evicted from his home and later works for the real estate broker who evicted him.
  • Michael Shannon plays Rick Carver, a ruthless real estate broker who exploits struggling homeowners, driving the film's central conflict and moral dilemmas.
  • Laura Dern plays Lynn Nash, the mother of the protagonist. She supports her son as they face eviction and navigate the challenges of housing instability.

Ending Explained

In the ending of 99 Homes, the main character, Dennis Nash, finds himself at a moral crossroads after achieving a semblance of success in the real estate business, which he initially despised. After being forced to evict families, including his own mother, Dennis grapples with the consequences of his actions. The climax occurs when he confronts Rick Carver, the ruthless real estate agent who initially exploited him. In a pivotal moment, Dennis realizes that he has become what he once loathed. He is faced with a choice: continue down the path of greed and exploitation or reclaim his humanity. The film culminates in Dennis's decision to take a stand against the corrupt system that has ensnared him. He ultimately chooses to confront Rick, symbolizing his rejection of the cycle of exploitation that has plagued him and his community. The ending reinforces the themes of moral ambiguity and the impact of the housing crisis, illustrating how desperation can lead individuals to compromise their values. Dennis's journey reflects the broader societal issues of the time, leaving viewers to ponder the true cost of survival in a system that often prioritizes profit over people.

Ramin Bahrani Crime Drama Andrew Garfield Michael Shannon Laura Dern