A Most Violent Year

Set in the turbulent backdrop of early 1981 New York City, a time notorious for rampant violence, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) is depicted as a diligent proprietor of Standard Oil, a rising heating oil firm. At the outset, Abel’s venture is beset by a series of truck hijackings, resulting in significant financial losses. The situation escalates painfully when a young driver named Julian (Elyes Gabel) faces brutal assault during one such robbery.

His wife, Anna Morales (Jessica Chastain), urges him to retaliate against the escalating violence, yet Abel remains resolute in his belief that responding with aggression is not the answer. Concurrently, their business faces scrutiny from Assistant District Attorney Lawrence (David Oyelowo), who seems intent on uncovering potential misconduct within the heating oil sector, including allegations of price fixing and tax evasion.

Determined to secure his company’s financial independence, Abel collaborates with his attorney, Andrew Walsh (Albert Brooks), to finalize a critical deal with a group of Jewish Chassidim led by Josef Mendellsohn (portrayed by Jerry Adler). This arrangement involves acquiring a fuel oil terminal on the East River, a strategic move that will enable Morales’ business to directly import and store fuel oil. Abel risks a hefty down payment of 40% on the property, with a pressing deadline to close in just 30 days.

As events unfold, Morales witnesses an attempted burglary at his new home, which takes a more sinister turn when his daughter stumbles upon a loaded handgun left behind by the intruder. Suspecting his competitors are behind this intimidation, he confronts them one by one, each of whom staunchly denies any wrongdoing aimed at sabotaging his business. Amidst rising tensions, the head of the Teamsters urges Abel to arm his drivers, but he firmly declines, fearing it could escalate the violence and jeopardize his connections with the bank financing his terminal purchase.

Meanwhile, Julian, after recovering from his earlier injuries, finds himself in the midst of yet another frightening encounter on the Queensboro Bridge, leading to a daylight shootout with the criminals. Unbeknownst to Abel, this reckless act attracts the attention of not only ADA Lawrence but also the bank, ultimately jeopardizing their financing agreement.

Facing insurmountable pressure to gather the $1.5 million required to close on the terminal, Abel turns to his competitors, Saul Leftkowitz, and his granddaughter for a $500,000 loan, which comes with a steep interest rate. Through sheer determination, he also borrows $200,000 against a property he co-owns with his brother. Time is slipping away, and as he intercepts a distress call from one of his drivers, he races to stop another truck hijacking, leading to a harrowing confrontation that unveils the involvement of a competitor in the ongoing thefts.

With authority looming over his head, Abel reluctantly seeks financial aid from Peter Forente (Alessandro Nivola), who is hesitant to lend money to “his kind of people,” hinting at potential Mafia affiliations. Ultimately, Forente agrees, but not without strings attached, leaving Abel feeling cornered in his quest to save his company. When he confides in Anna about the dire circumstances, he discovers that she has been secretly siphoning funds into a hidden account. Armed with this unexpected lifeline, Abel finally secures the terminal, but the victory is bittersweet.

The narrative takes a tragic turn when Julian, feeling abandoned and resentful, confronts Abel brandishing a gun. In a moment of despair, he takes his own life in front of Abel and Anna. With law enforcement on the scene investigating the grisly aftermath, Abel articulates his frustrations regarding the ongoing investigations into his business, hinting at a desire for resolution. ADA Lawrence acknowledges the potential of the new fuel oil terminal to elevate Morales’ business standing and suggests a possible alliance for future endeavors. Morales, however, remains steadfast, asserting, > “I have always done the most right thing,” as he grapples with the moral complexities of his turbulent journey.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:06