99 Homes

| 2014

Directed by: Ramin Bahrani

Main Plot

"99 Homes," directed by Ramin Bahrani, follows Dennis Nash, a single father and construction worker, who is evicted from his home by real estate broker Rick Carver during the 2008 housing crisis. Desperate to regain stability for his family, Dennis reluctantly takes a job with Rick, who profits from the misfortune of others by exploiting the foreclosure process. As Dennis becomes more deeply involved in Rick's morally dubious schemes, he faces a growing internal conflict between his need to provide for his family and the ethical compromises he must make. The film explores themes of economic hardship, moral ambiguity, and the human cost of financial exploitation.

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 concluding scenes of '99 Homes,' directed by Ramin Bahrani, the protagonist Dennis Nash faces a moral and ethical dilemma. After being evicted from his home by real estate broker Rick Carver, Nash starts working for Carver to regain his house and provide for his family. As Nash becomes more deeply involved in Carver's unscrupulous practices, he begins to lose his moral compass. The climax occurs when Nash is tasked with evicting a family that mirrors his own earlier plight. Overwhelmed by guilt and the realization of the harm he is causing, Nash decides to confront Carver. In a moment of moral reckoning, Nash attempts to return the keys to the evicted homeowners, symbolizing his rejection of Carver's corrupt world. The film concludes ambiguously with Nash turning himself in to the authorities, suggesting a desire to atone for his actions. This ending underscores the devastating impact of the housing crisis and the personal cost of compromising one's integrity for financial gain. Nash's decision to face the consequences of his actions highlights a return to his core values, despite the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Ramin Bahrani Crime Drama Andrew Garfield Michael Shannon Laura Dern