Tonight with Friends: Jenna Ortega, Tommy Lee Jones Star in Thriller by Oscar-Winning Writer!

In 1997, Brian Helgeland was celebrated with an Oscar for Best Screenplay for his work on Curtis Hanson’s film “L.A. Confidential.” This accolade was a significant acknowledgment for Helgeland, who, two years later, directed his first feature film, “Payback” starring Mel Gibson. If you are in the mood for a compelling thriller reminiscent of the ’90s cinema, do not miss “Finestkind.”

“Finestkind”: A Captivating Thriller from the Screenwriter of “L.A. Confidential”

Brian Helgeland has established himself as a prolific screenwriter with credits like “Mystic River” (2003), “Robin Hood” (2010), and “Green Zone” (2010), but he is also an accomplished director. Among his directorial works, “Finestkind” has recently premiered on the streaming service Paramount+, delighting subscribers.

The movie tells the tale of two half-brothers, Charlie (played by actor Toby Wallace) and Tom (portrayed by Ben Foster), who were raised in different social environments. One summer, Charlie joins his older brother, a fishing trawler captain, in the New Bedford fishing port. However, financial troubles soon lead the brothers into a perilous deal with the Boston underworld.

The film features a cast that will appeal to fishing enthusiasts, including the actors playing the half-brothers, as well as Tommy Lee Jones and Jenna Ortega who, along with Wallace and Foster, play the main characters. Supporting them are Aaron Stanford (“The Hills Have Eyes”), Tim Daly (“The Sopranos”), and Lolita Davidovich (“Suits”).

What Similarities Exist Between the Two Films?

“L.A. Confidential” and “Finestkind” share more than just their screenwriter. Both films present morally ambiguous characters who are distinctly different from each other. Just as the two brothers are contrasted, the three detectives in one of the best thrillers of the ’90s differ greatly, especially in their methods.

Secondly, like Charlie and Tom, the three detectives navigate a world corrupted by drugs. Additionally, in these ensemble films, the main characters’ paths intersect in the worst possible ways. These are narratives with distinct scripts, yet the moral dilemmas weigh heavily on the protagonists’ shoulders. Interested yet?

“Finestkind” is available for streaming on Paramount+.