New Money is a crime thriller starring Brendan Sexton III. Old money families VS new money needs. A directorial debut by writer-director Jason B. Kohl, the story follows an unenthusiastic pet store worker with no real ambition. Engaging in the antithesis of not working for what you want, Debbie wants more out of life.
Money, Money, Money
Debbie is having a birthday, her 30th in fact. Her father promised her $50k; a drop in the bucket of the wealth he has amassed and Debbie has come to collect. It doesn’t matter that she rarely sees her father, a promise is a promise and she’s made good on her end. Debbie isn’t pregnant and she’s held down a job. That’s worth $50k in and of itself, right?
When Debbie does arrive to collect what’s due, her father’s illness has really taken hold. His young pretty wife whispers a few things in his ear and boom… inheritance is off the table.
Debbie wants to get clean and go back and finish her studies, she just needs to convince her dad to give her the cash he said he would. Kidnapping him is the best option.
A well-crafted film – New Money
As for the story, and the film, I think it’s really well made. The camerawork gives a personal view of intimacies that would otherwise go unnoticed in a story filled with the doldrums of life. The scripting is simple and never really over-explains itself which leaves you to work out what you want to get out of it yourself.
Each character in New Money has its unique story arc and none of them are going to lift your spirits. Debbie and her boyfriend Steve are drug addicts. Boyd, a wealthy man is in the throes of dementia and married to a much younger wife, Rose. Debbie’s agenda is to get to her payday. After all, she was promised it, and one way or another, she’s going to get it.
There is simply nowhere to hide in this story if you are looking for someone to champion. Even if you lay your money on the trophy wife who professes to be unfamiliar with the words ‘gold digger’ you’ll be hard-pressed to maintain enthusiasm for her. The fact that she’s your best bet should tell you nothing has been wrapped in cotton wool here. In other words, those that like a film that leaves them with a certain amount of internal duress, will be the ones to get the most out of it.
Old Money vs New Money
New Money shines a light on many societal issues with characters who are all unlikeable. Debbie can muster some compassion for her situation. It’s easy to see that there is a semblance of a desire to do better and be better. After all, she started nursing school, didn’t get pregnant, and held down a job. Her ability to succeed is seemingly held down by one simple thing, a lack of funds.
While watching “New Money”, I found it challenging to empathize with Debbie and see her as someone who could be redeemed. However, my sympathy was reserved for Boyd, the character who managed to touch me. Louisa Krause, who portrays Debbie, brings a captivating and complex performance, her softness contrasting with the questionable choices she makes. The small cast delivers exceptional and well-coordinated performances, shining brightly throughout the run time. But what truly stood out to me was the dedication of the main actors and their remarkable ability to create an atmosphere filled with tension and turmoil, all stemming from their characters’ self-centeredness and difficult life circumstances.
For a feature-length directorial debut, with his movie “New Money,” Jason B. Kohl shows that you don’t need a hero, to create a worthy underdog. He also highlights that sometimes the underdog doesn’t win for a reason. See it if you get the chance.
I give New Money
3 sometimes money doesn’t make the world go round out of 5
Rent New Money 2019 on Prime Video via this link.
Directors’ Statement About Old Money Families
“The passing of a patriarch is a profoundly destabilizing event for even
the most tight-knit family, one that invariably serves as a catalyst for the
sudden and painful resurfacing of old rivalries and grievances.The baby boomers are the largest and wealthiest generation in American history. As they enter retirement, they and their children will be confronted with an experience that is both singular and universal, the backbone of all great drama.”
Jason B Kohl – director of New Money
