Gold

Gold

Year: 2017

Runtime: 120 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Gaghan

AdventureDramaThriller

In the heart of Indonesia's unforgiving jungle, a gritty prospector and his unlikely partner embark on a perilous quest for fortune. Kenny Wells, a charismatic hustler with a taste for adventure, joins forces with a brilliant but down-on-his-luck geologist to uncover the secrets of the dense, gold-rich wilderness, where their very survival hangs in the balance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Gold (2017)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Gold (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1981

The film is set in 1981 during a time of economic excitement and risk-taking in American business culture. It reflects a period when gold mining was seen as a lucrative venture and financial schemes could lead to both triumphs and downfalls. This era also marks the beginning of significant changes in corporate governance and the scrutiny of financial practices.

Location

Indonesia, America

The movie takes place in both Indonesia and America, showcasing the contrast between the bustling business environment of Wall Street and the lush, untamed landscapes of the Indonesian jungle. Indonesia is depicted as a land of opportunity and deception, with gold mines symbolizing both riches and betrayal. America represents the capitalist dream, where fortunes can be made and lost in the blink of an eye.

🌴 Tropical 🇺🇸 Urban

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Main Characters – Gold (2017)
Meet the key characters of Gold (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kenny Wells (Matthew McConaughey)

Kenny Wells is a determined yet flawed protagonist whose ambition leads him on a rollercoaster journey through the highs of potential fortune and the lows of betrayal and loss. His character embodies resilience and vulnerability, torn between his dreams of success and the reality of his decisions. As he faces devastating truths, Kenny undergoes a transformation reflecting the consequences of unchecked ambition.

💼 Entrepreneur 🤔 Ambitious 💔 Vulnerable

Michael Acosta (Édgar Ramírez)

Michael Acosta is a charismatic geologist whose initial hope and enthusiasm become overshadowed by deceitful ambitions. While he is instrumental in helping Kenny establish a promising venture, his actions ultimately reveal a darker side driven by self-interest. Acosta's duality as a partner and betrayer challenges perceptions of trust and loyalty.

🔍 Geologist 💼 Deceptive 🌪️ Charismatic

Kay (Bryce Dallas Howard)

Kay is Kenny's supportive girlfriend, representing stability and love in his chaotic life. As Kenny’s ambitions spiral, Kay becomes increasingly concerned about his choices and the impact on their relationship. Her character embodies the struggle between personal ambition and the importance of maintaining meaningful connections.

❤️ Supportive 🤔 Concerned 💔 Heartbroken

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

Major Themes – Gold (2017)
Explore the central themes of Gold (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

Greed is a central theme in the film, driving Kenny Wells' ambition and decisions that ultimately lead to both his success and downfall. As he encounters wealth and status, his relationships suffer, particularly with Kay, as he prioritizes financial gain over personal connections. The allure of gold serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of greed.

🤝 Trust

The theme of trust is intricately woven throughout the story, especially in Kenny's relationship with Michael Acosta. Their partnership begins with hope and mutual ambition but unravels into deception as Acosta's betrayal is revealed. The film explores the fragility of trust in business and personal realms.

🌍 Deception

Deception runs rampant in the narrative, highlighted by the fake gold mine that Michael Acosta creates. The consequences of this deceit ripple through the story, impacting not only the characters' lives but also the investors and workers involved. The film critiques the lengths people will go to falsify success.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:46

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