“99 Homes,” a topical movie set in 2010 in Orlando, is a compelling look at the housing crisis, which has affected so many, even those who had quite a bit of wealth.
Dennis Nash, played by Andrew Garfield, who lives with his mom Lynn (Laura Dern) and son Connor (Noah Lomax), finds out his house is being foreclosed and makes a court appearance to appeal the decision.
Nash had been a construction worker, but when he was told that they were laying workers off, he found himself in this predicament. Soon thereafter law enforcement, along with a real-estate repo man named Rick Carver (Michael Shannon), show up to tell him he will be evicted that day. The crushing news causes Nash to resort to desperate measures and he decides to work for Carver; thus, making a deal with the devil in the process.
Nash has always seen himself as an honest, hard worker, just trying to live out the American Dream. It soon turns out this new job with Carver is becoming a lucrative opportunity for Nash and his family. He begins to get more and more comfortable doing it, trying to get as much money for his family in the process, with the goal to try and get his house back. (When they got evicted Nash and his family were forced to move to a motel.)
Some moral issues come into play, such as when Nash takes (some may deem it steal) foreclosed home owners appliances (like A.C. units) left outside and sell it back to the bank, so that he and Carver can get money. In essence here, Nash is profiting off of struggling homeowners. However, posting eviction notices on people’s houses and telling them face-to-face their eviction is imminent does not go over well with his mom, who when she finds out, cannot believe is something her son has found himself doing. Nash’s mother finds out about this when her son is angrily confronted in the motel parking lot by a man who says he was kicked out of his house by Nash.
Shannon is terrific as Carver, a sleazy guy who will do anything to get ahead, while Garfield gives a powerful performance as a man filled with guilt about this line of work. Lomax as the son gives a heartfelt performance as a youngster who just wants to have his old house back and does not want to go to a new school. His behavior and mannerisms are believable for someone his age and what he is going through. Dern also does strong work as the real moral influence in the film, who is unwilling to compromise her ethics.
While by no means an easy watch, this is an ambitious, haunting movie with a lot on its mind that will stick with you.
