Greedy People is a darkly comedic exploration of greed and violence in the vein of “Fargo” and “In Bruges.” When the eclectic residents of a small, picturesque island town attempt to navigate a sensational murder and the discovery of a million dollars, a series of increasingly bad decisions ultimately leads to tragedy.
The story centers on Will, a rookie police officer and soon-to-be father new to the town of Providence, and his veteran partner Terry, a crude and obtuse man with a romantic side. On his first day, Will responds to what he mistakenly thinks is a burglary in progress, while Terry has snuck off with his married girlfriend. What results is the accidental death of Virginia Chetlo and the discovery of the money. Will has to make a choice to either come clean and face the consequences or hide what he’s done.
Will, with a child coming and his career at risk, and Terry, tempted by the cash and making a new life with his girlfriend, the two decide to take the money and make the death look like the result of a break in. But the plan becomes increasingly complicated as a series of lies, secrets, and personal interests collide with a cast of characters that includes Will’s driven and pregnant wife, Paige; Virginia’s wealthy husband, Wallace Chetlo; the town’s competing hitmen, the Serbian and the Croatian; a Christian male masseuse who also performs sexual favors; Wallace’s dense secretary with a love for guns; and the melancholy chief of police and his clairvoyant wife. As the tension and pressure rises, the tragedy becomes inevitable.
Watch the trailer here:
Our editor attended the media screening – here’s what she thought:
“Greedy People was not at all what I expected, but in the best way possible. I thought I was going to be watching a typical “cop comedy”, but it turned out to be a really dark – and I mean dark – comedy instead. The film plays out a bit like a Shakespearean tragedy, where a series of unfortunate events change the lives of the characters forever. However, what makes it memorable and very, very clever, is the way in which each unfortunate event impacts the events that follow. The pieces fit together like a puzzle, yet as the film plays out, I found it entirely unpredictable. It had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would transpire next, yet, there are some incredibly funny moments and the dark humour is just brilliant. Funny, tragic and unexpected, this film has one of the most well-thought out plots I’ve come across in a long time.” Anien – Editor
