Brothers: A tale of criminal twins navigating life’s chaos
Introduction to the unique sibling dynamic
In “Brothers,” Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage take on the roles of adult twins Moke and Jady Munger. These two have been partners in crime since childhood when their jewelry-thieving mother abandoned them. Director Max Barbakow’s follow-up to his acclaimed 2020 film, “Palm Springs,” offers a fresh take on the high-concept comedy genre. The film subverts expectations by focusing not on the physical differences between the twins but on their starkly contrasting personalities and life aspirations.
The unexpected plot twist
Initially, one might assume the comedic elements of “Brothers” would center around the vastly differing appearances of Moke and Jady, much like classic comedies such as “Twins” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. However, screenwriters Macon Blair and Etan Cohen steer the narrative into uncharted territory. The essence of the film lies in the brothers’ conflicting life goals: Moke, intent on reforming his ways, and Jady, a perennial troublemaker.
Moke’s quest for redemption
After years of aiding Jady in petty crimes, Moke resolves to clean up his act. He takes on a degrading job and prepares for the arrival of his child, affectionately nicknamed “Blueberry,” with his wife, Abby (played by Taylour Paige). The storyline takes a twist as Jady, fresh out of prison, re-enters Moke’s life with devious plans to drag him back into the world of crime. This clash between the brothers’ ambitions becomes the central comedic and dramatic tension in the film.
A shady deal and a troubling past
Upon his release, Jady’s immediate descent into chaos is driven by a shady deal with a corrupt prison guard (portrayed by Brendan Fraser). Jady is pressured to recover a stash of stolen emeralds dating back to their mother’s heist, which adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The screenwriters weave a somewhat convoluted timeline, perhaps adjusted post-casting of Brolin and Dinklage, indicating the story’s adaptability to its leads.
Complex familial loyalty
The brothers have always been fiercely protective of each other, a bond formed out of necessity after their mother’s abandonment. This loyalty leads Moke to risk everything, including his marriage, embarking on a risky road trip under false pretenses. He deceives Abby about the trip’s true purpose, setting off on what promises to be a more entertaining adventure than a mundane Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws. The journey, however, takes darkly humorous turns that include an encounter with an orangutan, adding to the film’s eccentricity.
Director’s magical touch
Max Barbakow brought fresh, irreverent wisdom to the overdone “Groundhog Day” trope with “Palm Springs.” With ”Brothers,” he attempts to channel the spirit of offbeat rural crime capers such as “Raising Arizona” and “Logan Lucky.” Although the movie draws inspiration from numerous predecessors, it struggles to infuse the narrative with a unique twist or bring out the best in its improvisation-ready leads.
Unconventional assistance and characters
Despite Jady’s aim to retrieve the hidden emeralds, he improbably enlists his brother’s help instead of their mother’s. Glenn Close makes an unexpected appearance as the now-older mother, delivering a performance that’s a delightful departure from her typical roles. Her portrayal brings an intriguing mix of Southern charm and larceny, reminiscent of Reba McEntire.
Brendan Fraser’s portrayal of a wide-eyed officer and a corrupt judge, played by M. Emmet Walsh, adds layers to the narrative, while Marisa Tomei’s cameo as an eccentric, gold-toothed mystic provides an additional touch of weirdness. These supporting characters, although well-executed, seem better suited for more substantial roles.
Questioning the twin premise
The film’s decision to cast Brolin and Dinklage as twins feels tangential to the storyline. Unlike the Prime original “Killer Heat”, which makes practical use of identical twins, “Brothers” doesn’t fully leverage its premise. Ultimately, this leaves viewers questioning the necessity of presenting Moke and Jady as twins.
A blend of comedy and crime
“Brothers” combines elements of comedy and crime drama, skillfully moderated by a talented cast. Although the film doesn’t break new ground, it delivers an engaging narrative marked by surprising twists and compelling performances.
“Brothers” is set to open in theaters on Oct. 10, before making its global debut on Prime Video on Oct. 17. Explore the adventures of Moke and Jady and see how these mismatched twins navigate their tangled lives. To keep up with the latest in film and TV, follow our updates and join the conversation on social media!