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Windfall

Windfall (2022)

Mar 11, 2022 1h 33m Thriller Crime Drama

A man breaks into a tech billionaire's empty vacation home, but things go sideways when the arrogant mogul and his wife arrive for a last-minute getaway.

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Directed by Charlie McDowell

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Charlie McDowell
Producer
  • Charlie McDowell
  • Lily Collins
  • Jesse Plemons
  • Jason Segel
  • Alex Orlovsky
  • Duncan Montgomery
  • Jack Selby

Reviews

Robbie Grawey

Cool! Oddly classical? I liked it.

Jesse Plemons!

Sep 12, 2022

The Movie Mob
7/10

**While not a masterpiece, Windfall makes the most of its small budget and single location with solid performances and a clever story.**

Windfall captured my attention when I expected just to have it on in the background and demanded I sit and see what was happening. It is unique and told in a casual manner despite the high-stress circumstances that play out. Throughout the film, I tried to guess how it would play out, but the ending wrapped up unexpectedly. I can’t say Windfall was an incredible film, but it held my attention and felt different than a typical home invasion or robbery movie. Segel, Collins, and Plemons all played their characters in a way that kept the viewer off kilter and wondering what would happen next. Windfall keeps its characters shrouded in mystery, leaving the audience in the dark, only sharing small bits to develop the story. Windfall isn’t mind-blowing but entertains and intrigues right from the beginning.

Nov 26, 2022

r96sk
5/10

<em>'Windfall'</em> holds some moments of promise, though my interest dropped out too often for me to deem it as a good, or even an average, movie. I was uninterested more than I was locked in. That's a shame, because the (tiny) cast are great on paper.

Lily Collins is the standout, with Jesse Plemons closely following. Jason Segel is iffy in this, his body language sorta acting is actually good but once he starts talking I just didn't buy the whole situation; same could perhaps be said (albeit to a lesser degree) for Plemons, who I am a fan of.

The fact that it is a very obvious 'COVID movie' doesn't help, it just makes the limited, one location nature of the plot feel too restrictive. That's probably an unfair thing to judge the movie on given the time, but still. In total fairness, the film picks up its pace slightly near the end.

Jun 3, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Windfall examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Charlie McDowell brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Windfall took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Windfall shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike M, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Windfall subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Tsotsi and Jackie Brown explore similar territory, Windfall stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 11, 2022
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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