By Jade Gatling

Directed by Charlie McDowell (“The Discovery”), “Windfall” provides audiences with the well-developed world of a raucously rich married couple, who must think effectively in order to survive. The intriguing use of cinematography, dialogue and production complement each other and leave the viewer wanting more. “Windfall” deserves the credit that it has received, though it also has some downsides.

“Windfall” was filmed during the pandemic, as a result, they had to film the entirety of the movie in one location. The story takes place in a massive villa in Ojai, California.

A particular aspect of this movie is the way it chooses to film “everyday” objects- such as houses, cars and nature. The objects are recognizable enough but they are filmed at a weird angle. These angles make the house appear smaller, which was an interesting production decision.

Filming it in this style makes the movie appear more intimate. It makes us feel that we are with the married couple while they are being robbed.

The cast of this movie is incredible and gives out a really great performance. Throughout the entire movie, the three actors are put into one location, which worked because it provided more ability for them to focus on their line delivery.

An extremely wealthy nameless couple, played by Lily Collins (“Emily in Paris”) and Jesse Plemons (“Breaking Bad”) are visiting their vacation home. The wife takes on a more subtle role in the story. Throughout the film, she seems to learn more about who she is and finds a way to work with her husband, who is a rich mogul.

Their peace is disturbed when a nameless stranger (Jason Segel, “How I Met Your Mother”) breaks into the home and holds the couple hostage. It was the first time we have seen Segel being portrayed in a serious manner but he executes the desires and frustration of the character perfectly. 

The movie fails to give the stranger a backstory but Segel’s body language, tone and delivery provide the audience enough to sympathize with this random stranger.

It is exciting to watch this stranger navigate and release his anger out on this wealthy couple. As the movie progresses, you are left on the edge of your seats wondering “Is this poor stranger a bad person, or is he just frustrated with his financial position in society in comparison to the couple?”

Towards the middle of the movie, it was hard to pay attention to the story because a lot was not happening. The only saving grace for the film was the suspense behind the random stranger’s actions. What really kept the viewer focused was wondering if the stranger was going to kill the couple.

“Windfall” handles its cinematography, production and acting well, but the movie lacks a function. At times, the film overuses certain camera shots. It also appears as a long useless story.

The entire plot of the film could have been solved in 30 minutes. The ending was satisfying and suspenseful, but it felt rushed and inauthentic. “Windfall” is not objectively a bad movie, but with a little more effort put into the plot and its progression, this story could be excellent.

Image from Netflix via YouTube