Foxcatcher (2014) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Foxcatcher is a 2014 biographical sports drama directed by Bennett Miller, based on the real-life events surrounding multimillionaire John du Pont and his obsessive relationship with Olympic wrestling champions Mark and Dave Schultz. The film stars Steve Carell in a career-defining role as John du Pont, alongside Channing Tatum as Mark Schultz and Mark Ruffalo as Dave Schultz. Foxcatcher offers a chilling and slow-burning exploration of wealth, power, and the destructive nature of obsession.
The film received widespread critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and dark, atmospheric tone. It’s not just a film about sports but an intense psychological drama that delves deep into the psyche of its characters, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven stories.
In this review, we’ll dive into the key elements that make Foxcatcher so captivating, while also providing you with information on where to watch it online in the U.S.
Plot Overview
The film opens with Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), an Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler, living a life of relative obscurity and frustration despite his athletic success. Mark lives in the shadow of his older brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo), a fellow Olympic champion and respected wrestling coach. While Dave has a stable family life, Mark struggles with his identity, self-worth, and the pressure to prove himself.
Enter John du Pont (Steve Carell), an eccentric billionaire with a passion for wrestling. Du Pont invites Mark to join his wrestling team, “Team Foxcatcher,” at his lavish Foxcatcher estate. He offers Mark the chance to train for the upcoming World Championships and Olympics, promising him the resources and attention he has long sought. Mark, eager to step out of his brother’s shadow, agrees to the offer and moves to the estate.
As Mark trains under du Pont, the relationship between the two men becomes increasingly complicated. Du Pont’s erratic behavior, deep insecurities, and desire for control begin to take a toll on Mark, who starts to spiral into self-destructive behavior. The tension escalates further when du Pont convinces Dave Schultz to join the team, bringing sibling rivalry and power dynamics to the forefront.
The film builds towards a shocking and tragic conclusion, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the fragile nature of ambition.
Film Analysis
Foxcatcher is a slow-burning, atmospheric film that relies on its psychological depth rather than traditional sports drama conventions. Bennett Miller’s direction is meticulous, creating a sense of unease and foreboding throughout the movie. The film’s pacing allows the characters’ inner struggles and the increasingly dangerous relationship between du Pont, Mark, and Dave to simmer beneath the surface.
Steve Carell’s transformation into John du Pont is nothing short of remarkable. Known for his comedic roles, Carell fully embodies the eccentric, emotionally unstable du Pont, with a chilling sense of detachment and unpredictability. The heavy prosthetic makeup adds to the physical transformation, but it’s Carell’s nuanced performance that truly makes du Pont a disturbing and tragic figure.
Channing Tatum, as Mark Schultz, delivers one of his best performances to date. His portrayal of Mark’s emotional vulnerability and simmering frustration is both powerful and heartbreaking. Tatum’s physicality adds authenticity to the role, but it’s his subtle emotional range that stands out. Mark’s journey from hopeful athlete to broken man is deeply affecting.
Mark Ruffalo, as Dave Schultz, provides the emotional anchor of the film. His portrayal of Dave as a caring, stable presence in Mark’s life contrasts with the chaos brought on by du Pont. Ruffalo’s understated yet powerful performance grounds the film, particularly in the scenes where he acts as a mediator between Mark and du Pont.
The film’s cinematography, with its muted color palette and stark imagery, enhances the somber and oppressive atmosphere. Foxcatcher estate is presented as both an opulent sanctuary and a prison, reflecting du Pont’s wealth and the emotional isolation he imposes on those around him. The cold, detached visual style underscores the themes of control, manipulation, and the destructive effects of unchecked power.
Thematically, Foxcatcher is a study of obsession and the dangers of placing one’s self-worth in the hands of others. Mark’s desire to earn recognition from du Pont, and du Pont’s need to be seen as a father figure and patriot, create a toxic dynamic that ultimately leads to tragedy. The film also touches on themes of class disparity, with du Pont’s wealth allowing him to manipulate and control the lives of those less fortunate.
Where to Watch Foxcatcher Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Foxcatcher, here’s where you can stream, rent, or purchase the film online:
Streaming Services
- Starz
Foxcatcher is available to stream on Starz, which offers a subscription starting at $9.99/month. You can access Starz via their standalone app or as an add-on to other services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Sling TV. Starz provides high-quality streaming of Foxcatcher and many other critically acclaimed films. - Hulu (with Starz Add-On)
Hulu users can stream Foxcatcher by subscribing to the Starz add-on. The add-on costs an additional $9.99/month on top of Hulu’s base subscription. This option is ideal for those who already have Hulu and want to expand their movie library with Starz content. - Sling TV (with Starz Add-On)
Sling TV also offers the Starz add-on, giving viewers access to Foxcatcher as part of the Starz library. Sling TV is a flexible live TV streaming service that allows you to customize your subscription with various add-ons, making it a versatile option for cord-cutters.
Rental & Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video
Foxcatcher is available for digital rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the film for $3.99 in HD or purchase it for $12.99. Amazon provides a smooth viewing experience across a variety of devices, making it one of the most convenient platforms for watching films. - Apple iTunes
iTunes users can rent Foxcatcher for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. The film is available in HD, and Apple’s platform offers seamless streaming for those who prefer watching on iOS devices. - Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play offers Foxcatcher for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $12.99. The platform supports streaming on Android devices and browsers connected to your Google account, making it a great option for Android users. - Vudu
Vudu allows viewers to rent Foxcatcher for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. The platform supports streaming on multiple devices and is a solid option for those looking for flexibility in how and where they watch. - YouTube Movies
Foxcatcher is also available for rent and purchase on YouTube Movies. You can rent it for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99, allowing you to stream the film on any device that supports YouTube.
Other Streaming Services
Currently, Foxcatcher is not available on platforms like Netflix or Disney+, but it can be found through several rental and purchase platforms, as well as Starz for streaming.
Conclusion: Why Foxcatcher Is a Must-Watch
Foxcatcher is not just a biographical drama; it’s a haunting psychological exploration of obsession, power, and control. The film’s atmosphere, combined with stellar performances from Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo, make it a gripping and deeply unsettling watch. Bennett Miller’s direction creates a slow, tense build-up that captures the emotional and psychological unraveling of its characters.
The film’s complex themes of class, ambition, and identity resonate long after the credits roll, making Foxcatcher a thought-provoking and unforgettable film. It’s a dark but rewarding experience for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories and films that challenge traditional genre conventions.
With multiple streaming, rental, and purchase options available, Foxcatcher is easily accessible for anyone looking to dive into this chilling, true-crime drama. Don’t miss the chance to watch one of the most compelling films of 2014.
Watch Foxcatcher today and experience a haunting true story of obsession, power, and tragedy.
