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Ben Affleck’s Crime Thriller That Bombed at the Box Office Finds Retribution on Streaming
Ben Affleck’s 2016 crime thriller Live By Night, which he directed, wrote and starred in, is receiving renewed attention on streaming nearly a decade after its disappointing theatrical run. Although the film was criticised for its overextended story and struggled commercially, its ambitious scale, period setting and stylish presentation make it a more intriguing entry in Affleck’s filmography than its reputation suggests.
The film follows First World War veteran Joe Coughlin, who becomes involved in organised crime after returning to Boston, later moving to Florida to build his own criminal empire. Its sprawling narrative incorporates gang rivalries, corruption, religious fundamentalism and the Ku Klux Klan, but packs in more material than its runtime can comfortably sustain. It earned less than $25 million against a $65 million budget, yet Robert Richardson’s cinematography, detailed production design and old-Hollywood gangster aesthetic remain widely praised.
In short
- Live By Night is finding a second life on streaming.
- The ambitious gangster epic underperformed at the cinema.
- Its visuals and period atmosphere remain major strengths.
Explained simply
Live By Night is a 2016 crime thriller directed by, written by and starring Ben Affleck. The film had a production budget of $65 million but earned less than $25 million at the box office, marking a significant commercial failure for the Hollywood actor.
The film tells the story of a First World War veteran named Joe Coughlin who becomes involved in organised crime. His narrative spans from Boston to Florida, involving gang warfare, criminal enterprises, political corruption and religious extremism.
Set during the Prohibition era, the film employed an old-Hollywood gangster aesthetic and detailed period design. Its cinematography and production design received praise from critics, even as the film struggled financially.