An absurdly fun heist with a starry cast
Brothers is a fun and quirky comedy directed by Max Barbakow of Palm Springs fame and has a starry cast that includes Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Glenn Close, Brendan Fraser, Marisa Tomei and Taylour Paige. Released on Amazon Prime in October 2024, it is not just a heist comedy but taps into themes of loyalty, family and self-worth.
The heist movie follows twins, Jady and Moke who take after their lawless mother and do low-end heists. Years later, Moke is walking the straight path as he works a blue-collar job, his wife, Abby is expecting, and he has just bought a house.
But his life is turned upside down when Jady shows up at his place and gets him involved in one final heist. And sure, while Moke promises Abby that he will be home soon for Thanksgiving, a corrupt cop is after Jady and his freedom hinges on him pulling off the heist successfully and giving the cop his cut.
The movie’s upbeat rock soundtrack perfectly sets the tone for its eccentric humour and quirky heist plot. Though slow-paced, Brothers focuses more on character dynamics than action.
It’s a comedic exploration of the Mungers’ relationship against the backdrop of a chaotic heist involving a corrupt cop. The banter between the two brothers, like Jady hilariously trying to explain a 17th-century poem, adds a layer of absurdity that’ll have you snickering throughout.
To be honest, the movie could’ve relied on simple camera work and props, but there’s clear effort in the production design. The lighting, often neon-lit and gritty, mirrors the brothers’ ideological differences while also highlighting their deep bond. Suspense builds, not around the heist itself but around when the brothers’ tense relationship will explode. This dynamic is most apparent during the actual heist, hilariously set on a golf course in broad daylight.
Glenn Close’s entry to the story kicks things up a notch. She’s the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together, bringing the trio’s dynamic into sharper focus. Meanwhile, Brendan Fraser as Officer Farful steals the show whenever he’s on screen. It’s a delight to see him back, and even in smaller roles, his presence is magnetic, whether he’s playing a heartthrob or a villain.
That said, the Amazon Prime movie gets a little predictable towards the end, with a series of double-crosses that feel a bit too expected. It also doesn’t help that the camera keeps focusing on longer on menial shots as if it is holding up a sign that says important clue here. There is also some physical humour involving an ape which doesn’t translate well. Despite this, Brothers invests in these likeable characters, keeping viewers entertained right till the end.
Read More: Brothers Ending Explained
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Verdict - 7/10
7/10