Greedy People Review: Potsy Ponciroli’s Greedy People clearly wears its influences on its sleeve. With its mix of hitmen, seafood vendors, and law enforcement set in a sleepy rural town, the film draws clear comparisons to Coen Brothers classics like Fargo or Burn After Reading. However, Greedy People fits better within the realm of inspired knockoffs, where chaos reigns until the credits roll. Mike Vukadinovich’s screenplay blends a comical farce with a cutthroat finale, and it’s the film’s cynical ending that gives the otherwise light-hearted murder spree a peculiar aftertaste.
Greedy People (2024)
- Rating: R
- Genres: Comedy, Crime
- Plot: Two bumbling cops find a large sum of money after a disastrous altercation. Instead of reporting it, they stage the scene and keep the cash, only to face unforeseen problems that spiral out of control.
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Director: Potsy Ponciroli
Cast: Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Traci Lords, Tim Blake Nelson, Joey Lauren Adams, Simon Rex, Himesh Patel, Uzo Aduba
Main Genre: Comedy
Writers: Mike Vukadinovich
What Is ‘Greedy People’ About?
Himesh Patel stars as Will Shelly, a newcomer to Providence who joins the local police force. Leaving his pregnant wife Paige (Lily James) behind to unpack, Will starts his new job and meets his eccentric partner, Terry (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). What begins as an ordinary day turns chaotic when Will discovers a dead body. The shocking event sends ripples through Providence’s tight-knit community as residents start crafting their own theories. Will and Terry are the only ones who know the truth—or so they believe. Providence reveals itself to be less pristine than it initially appeared.
Greedy People keeps its mystery intact through the first act. The absurd events that follow Will’s response to what he thinks is a burglary are entertainingly convoluted. Ponciroli layers the accidental death with elements like adultery, bounty contracts, and unstable neighbors, creating a delightfully chaotic scenario. Driven by greed, all characters are entangled in a web of money—whether owed, stolen, or found—highlighting Vukadinovich’s commentary on the recklessness of those who stumble upon life-altering riches. The film evolves into a suburban fable about the inescapable consequences of selfish actions.
While Providence’s characters may seem a bit simplistic, the ensemble cast is a highlight. Patel excels as the anxious straight man, Gordon-Levitt’s over-the-top metalhead adds unpredictability, and James brings curiosity to Paige. Supporting roles, such as Tim Blake Nelson’s shrimp vendor and Simon Rex’s masseuse, contribute to the film’s vibrant atmosphere. Jim Gaffigan and José María Yazpik play rival hitmen, and Uzo Aduba anchors the tension as the officer who might unravel Will and Terry’s scheme. The large cast creates an engaging dynamic, though some characters could use more screen time. Nevertheless, the film remains enjoyable.
‘Greedy People’ Is a Thriller That Loses Some Momentum
As Greedy People escalates, its attempt to shock eventually undermines its impact. The film’s rapid shift towards an overstated conclusion might disappoint some viewers, and its focus on shock value sometimes overshadows the intended humor. While Ponciroli successfully builds calamity, the transition from comedy to serious moments feels disjointed.
Greedy People toggles between “ordinary” and “cartoonish” without finding a perfect balance. The inclusion of multiple contract killers doesn’t quite fit into the idyllic setting of Providence. An intentional canine death midway feels like an attempt to depict instability, and the film’s score sometimes clashes with the tone. Ponciroli excels in creating chaos but struggles with narrative consistency, although Patel and Gordon-Levitt’s early chemistry adds a strong start.
In the end, Greedy People joins the ranks of competent Fargo-inspired films like A Simple Plan and The Ice Harvest. Ponciroli directs a talented cast that delivers strong performances, even if some characters get less screen time. Gordon-Levitt stands out as the reckless wildcard, balancing humor and instability. While Greedy People may falter in tonal consistency, it still offers an engaging whodunit experience.
