The Accountant (2016) Review: A Thrilling Blend of Action and Intelligence
Introduction
“The Accountant” (2016), directed by Gavin O’Connor and starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, and J.K. Simmons, is a gripping thriller that combines high-stakes action with intricate plotting and deep character exploration. The film explores themes of family, trauma, and the complexities of living with a unique set of skills. Known for its distinctive take on the action genre and its engaging performances, “The Accountant” offers a fresh and thrilling cinematic experience.
In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, themes, and performances, and provide information on where you can stream or purchase “The Accountant” online in the U.S.
Plot Overview
“The Accountant” centers around Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck), a highly skilled accountant with a form of high-functioning autism. Despite his quiet demeanor, Christian is a brilliant forensic accountant who works for criminal organizations, using his expertise to uncover financial discrepancies and laundering operations.
The film follows Christian as he takes on a legitimate client, a robotics company that has uncovered financial irregularities. As he investigates, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving corrupt executives and a mysterious assassin. Meanwhile, the film also explores Christian’s past, including his troubled childhood and his strained relationship with his family.
As Christian navigates the treacherous world of high-stakes finance and criminal activity, he must confront his own personal demons and protect those he cares about from the threats that arise.
Themes and Emotional Impact
“The Accountant” explores themes of identity, trauma, and the complexity of living with a unique set of abilities. The film delves into the impact of Christian’s autism on his personal and professional life, highlighting both the challenges and strengths associated with his condition.
The emotional impact of the film is heightened by its exploration of Christian’s troubled past and his journey towards self-acceptance and understanding. The film’s portrayal of Christian’s struggles and triumphs adds depth to its narrative and provides a compelling examination of personal growth and resilience.
The film also addresses themes of family and loyalty, focusing on Christian’s relationships with his estranged brother and his father. The dynamics between these characters add layers of emotional complexity to the story and contribute to its overall impact.
Performances and Direction
Ben Affleck delivers a standout performance as Christian Wolff, portraying the character’s intelligence, vulnerability, and emotional depth with skill. Affleck’s portrayal captures the nuances of Christian’s condition and brings a sense of authenticity to the role. His performance is central to the film’s success and adds a compelling dimension to its narrative.
Anna Kendrick provides a strong supporting performance as Dana Cummings, a financial analyst who becomes involved in Christian’s investigation. Kendrick’s portrayal adds a touch of warmth and humanity to the film, complementing Affleck’s performance and contributing to the film’s emotional depth.
J.K. Simmons delivers a notable performance as Raymond King, a government agent investigating Christian’s activities. Simmons’s portrayal adds a layer of authority and complexity to the film, enhancing its overall dynamic.
Gavin O’Connor’s direction is effective in balancing the film’s action elements with its character-driven narrative. O’Connor’s approach to storytelling emphasizes the film’s themes of identity and personal growth while maintaining a high level of tension and excitement.
The screenplay, written by Bill Dubuque, is well-crafted and engaging. The dialogue and plot development effectively support the film’s themes and contribute to its overall impact. The intricate plotting and character development add depth to the story and keep the audience engaged throughout.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography by Seamus McGarvey is notable for its sleek and stylish approach. McGarvey’s use of camera angles and lighting enhances the film’s visual appeal and complements its action sequences and dramatic moments.
The film’s score, composed by Mark Isham, adds to its intensity and atmosphere. Isham’s music reinforces the film’s themes of tension and suspense, contributing to the overall viewing experience.
Where to Watch “The Accountant” Online in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “The Accountant,” several streaming services and platforms in the United States offer the film for streaming, rental, or purchase:
Streaming Services:
- HBO Max: “The Accountant” is available to stream with an HBO Max subscription. It is part of HBO Max’s library of popular films and series.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film can be streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription. It may also be available for rent or purchase directly on the platform.
Rental and Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent “The Accountant” in HD for approximately $3.99 or purchase it for around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, with rental options starting at $3.99 and purchase prices around $14.99.
- Apple iTunes: On iTunes, “The Accountant” can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $14.99. The film is available in HD, with the option to download for offline viewing.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for “The Accountant,” with similar pricing to other platforms. The film supports HDX viewing for high-quality playback.
Conclusion
“The Accountant” (2016) is a thrilling and engaging film that combines action with an in-depth exploration of character and identity. With its strong performances, intricate plotting, and stylish direction, the film offers a fresh take on the action genre and provides a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Whether you are drawn to its unique portrayal of a protagonist with autism, its high-stakes narrative, or its blend of action and intelligence, “The Accountant” delivers a satisfying and impactful viewing experience. With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to access this dynamic film and enjoy its blend of excitement and emotional depth.
