It took a while for _A Most Violent Year_ to grab my attention, but after I got into it, I was completely drawn in. Oscar Isaac delivers a terrific performance; he managed to portray both the threatening persona of a mobster and a sense of integrity as he attempted to steer clear of his rivals’ more brutal methods. It was subtle, but fascinating to watch this character gradually gain control as his situation grew increasingly dire. Jessica Chastain also did excellent work, providing a counterweight to Isaac's character and demonstrating her own strength. They had remarkable chemistry together, creating a partnership that felt powerful. While the film doesn’t feature much action, the suspense was palpable, and when more turbulent scenes arose, they seemed natural and authentic. The cinematography was superb; I especially appreciated the hazy effect, which really helped establish the movie's 1980s setting. This isn’t a film for all tastes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and suggest giving it a look.

Source on TMDB