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Oliver Stone’s Divisive 130-Minute Mind-Bending Crime Thriller Is the Perfect One-Night Binge
Oliver Stone's 2012 crime thriller "Savages" is being highlighted as an ideal late-night, one-sitting watch thanks to its twisty, escalating plot and stylish direction. The film follows Ben and Chon, two Laguna Beach marijuana dealers played by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch, whose lucrative but illicit business draws unwanted attention from a Mexican cartel, putting their lives, livelihood and shared girlfriend at risk.
The 130-minute film opens with a warning from narrator "O" (Ophelia) that events spiral wildly out of control, a promise the article says the film delivers on. After the pair refuse a takeover offer from cartel boss Elena, played by Salma Hayek, from whom they receive a threatening video, a tense standoff unfolds through remote negotiations and sporadic violent confrontations, culminating in a plot the piece describes as gripping, ludicrous and highly entertaining despite its divisive reputation among viewers.
In short
- Oliver Stone's "Savages" recommended as a gripping one-night binge watch
- Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch play dealers targeted by a cartel
- Salma Hayek's cartel boss Elena drives the film's tense, twisty plot
Explained simply
"Savages" is a 2012 crime thriller directed by Oliver Stone about two Laguna Beach marijuana dealers whose business attracts the attention of a Mexican cartel. When they refuse the cartel's takeover offer, the situation spirals into violence and threats that endanger their lives and livelihood.
The film follows Ben and Chon, portrayed by Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch, and their shared girlfriend, with Salma Hayek playing the cartel leader who threatens them. The narrative moves between perspectives as the characters face increasingly intense negotiations and violent confrontations throughout its 130-minute runtime.
Oliver Stone is a prominent filmmaker known for provocative, ambitious projects, and "Savages" exemplifies his characteristic stylised approach to storytelling. The film developed a divisive reputation following its release, becoming notable as a contentious work in Stone's career rather than one of his universally acclaimed successes.