While Other Mommy may be dominating the Halloween box office, its critical reception has been less than kind. But if you're craving a Jessica Chastain performance with more substance, there's a hidden gem arriving on a free streaming platform just in time for November.
Starting November 1, A Most Violent Year (2014) will be available to stream for free on Plex. This underrated crime thriller pairs Chastain with Oscar Isaac, who leads the film as an ambitious fuel supplier navigating the brutal, corrupt landscape of 1980s New York. The story follows his struggle to maintain his moral integrity while his business and family face escalating threats.
The film also features standout performances from David Oyelowo and Albert Brooks. Despite its modest box office performance—earning just $8.8 million worldwide against a $20 million budget—it received strong critical acclaim. Chastain's portrayal earned her Best Supporting Actress wins from the National Board of Review, the Utah Film Critics Association, and the Indiana Film Journalists Association.
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While Other Mommy has been a box office sensation, it's been panned by critics, with Collider's review calling it "a hollow copy" and ScreenRant noting that "nothing is scary" about it. If you're looking for a Chastain film that delivers on both performance and story, A Most Violent Year is the perfect choice.
Set against the backdrop of a city teetering on the edge, the film captures the tension of an era defined by crime and corruption. Isaac's character, Abel Morales, is determined to expand his business legitimately, but external pressures and his wife's (Chastain) ruthless pragmatism threaten to derail his principles.
The movie's direction by J.C. Chandor (known for Margin Call) brings a tense, methodical pace that builds to a gripping climax. It's a character-driven drama that rewards patient viewers with a nuanced exploration of morality in a world where violence is the norm.
Despite its critical success, A Most Violent Year never found its audience in theaters, but it has since gained a cult following. Now, with its arrival on Plex, a new generation of viewers can discover this overlooked gem.
So, if you're ready to move past the scares of Halloween and dive into a smart, intense thriller, mark your calendar for November 1. A Most Violent Year is streaming free on Plex—don't let it slip away.
