Staten Island

A crime drama with elements of dark comedy directed by James DeMonaco in 2009, "Staten Island" interweaves the lives of three very different residents of New York City's most remote borough. At the heart of the story is Sully Halvorson (Ethan Hawke), a humble septic tank cleaner who decides to rob the mob in order to provide a better future for his unborn child, aided by his mute butcher friend Jasper (Seymour Cassel). Another central character is Parmie Tarzo (Vincent D’Onofrio), a mafia boss obsessed with leaving a legacy, planning to build a grand underground mausoleum for himself. The third narrative thread follows Sophia (Catalina Sandino Moreno), a hairdresser and eco-activist who becomes inadvertently entangled in the criminal plots of the others. The film explores themes of crime, aspiration, and human folly against the bleak and isolated backdrop of Staten Island. Notable for its unconventional narrative structure, satirical take on the American Dream, and unique visual style, the film offers a quirky, offbeat glimpse into the lives of those on the margins of New York life.