The Boost

Main Plot

"The Boost" is a drama film that explores the dark side of the American Dream, focusing on the life of Lenny Brown, a man who moves to Los Angeles with his wife Linda to pursue opportunities in the booming 1980s real estate market. Initially, Lenny's charisma and enthusiasm land him a lucrative job, and he quickly begins to enjoy the perks of his success, including a luxurious lifestyle. However, as the economy shifts, Lenny finds himself under tremendous pressure to maintain his income and status. In his desperation, he turns to using and eventually becomes addicted to cocaine, which he believes will enhance his performance and help him cope with the stresses of his job. The film chronicles Lenny's rapid descent into addiction and its devastating impact on his career, his relationship with Linda, and his overall life. "The Boost" serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of drug abuse.

Characters

• James Woods plays Lenny Brown, a real estate developer whose life spirals out of control due to cocaine addiction, impacting his career and relationships.
• Sean Young plays Linda Brown, a woman who, alongside her husband, spirals into addiction and tragedy after moving to California for a business opportunity.
• John Kapelos plays Joel Miller, a friend who introduces the protagonist to a high-stakes, fast-paced lifestyle, ultimately leading to the protagonist's downfall.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "The Boost," directed by Harold Becker, the film takes a dark turn as it wraps up its exploration of the destructive impact of drug addiction. The main characters, Lenny Brown, played by James Woods, and his wife Linda, portrayed by Sean Young, experience a rapid decline from a prosperous lifestyle in Los Angeles to the depths of despair due to their addiction to cocaine. As the movie progresses, their addiction worsens, leading to financial ruin, loss of their home, and the breakdown of their personal relationships. In the final scenes, Lenny and Linda attempt to rebuild their lives after hitting rock bottom. Lenny, struggling with the consequences of his actions, tries to make amends and seeks redemption. However, the damage to his life and psyche is profound. Linda, on the other hand, leaves him, unable to cope with the continued cycle of addiction. The film ends with Lenny alone, reflecting on his losses and the ruins of his life, underscoring the harsh realities of drug addiction and its capacity to destroy lives.