Life in the 80s: A Brother’s Gamble

A film set in 1986 follows the Pearl family from Queens. Irwin and his wife Hester live a modest life raising two boys, Ben and Scott. Scott is about to turn 18 and head off to college, a moment the family celebrates. Enter Gary, an ex‑police officer who has settled into retirement. He visits Irwin with a business idea about cleaning the polluted Gowanus Canal. The plan involves risky work near a Russian crew that now controls the area after the Italian mafia’s decline. Gary wants Irwin, who has engineering skills, to act as a consultant. The deal feels shady from the start, and tension grows between the brothers. The movie tries to explore brotherhood but only touches the surface.Their relationship is shown mainly through business arguments, not personal history. Gary’s character flips between a supposed law‑abiding cop and someone involved in illicit deals, leaving the audience confused. The acting is a highlight. Miles Teller carries most scenes with natural energy. Adam Driver plays Gary in an engaging way, though the script limits him. Scarlett Johansson appears only briefly and is given a side story that feels unimportant. The film captures 1980s New York well, creating a vivid backdrop. However, the story feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more depth. The movie’s strength lies in its cast and setting, but it falls short of delivering a compelling drama.