How far would you be willing to go for a life-changing sum of money? For Jess Lipki (Judy Greer), the answer is quite far.

Chili Finger, co-directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad and written by Helstad, introduces us to Jess and her husband Ron (Sean Astin) as they drop their daughter (Shaya Harris) off at the airport for college. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, they aren’t able to accompany her and don’t know when they can visit. In their slump, they go for a meal at their beloved regional fast food chain, Blake Junior’s, when Jess finds a finger in her bowl of chili.

Jess immediately seizes the opportunity to blackmail the chain, demanding $100,000 in exchange for their silence. However, Blake Junior (John Goodman), the chain’s founder, finds the whole ordeal suspicious and recruits his ex-Marine friend Dave (Bryan Cranston) to find the truth surrounding this mysterious finger.

Benda and Helstad feel keenly aware of the financial strain most of America finds itself dealing with. Working-class people are the very fabric of Chili Finger, from the whipsmart opening sequence on the factory floor of a brewing company. Ron works in the mill, Jess makes a comment that they’ve had the same mattress for their entire marriage, and everyone is trying to make the best of their less-than-glamorous lives.

When Blake Junior II (Madeline Wise) arrives at the scene of the incident on behalf of the franchise, the financial disparity becomes clear. She feels out of place in the fast-food restaurant among the community. From her sharp wardrobe to the performative way she interacts with employees,  it’s clear that Blake Junior’s team lives in an entirely different world.

It’s a testament to this directorial duo, though, that they never exploit their characters. They aren’t reduced to some phony glamorization of the grind. These are all vibrant, dynamic people bursting with genuine souls. Even the smaller supporting characters feel distinct and lived-in.

Greer leads the way with a stunning act of desperation. Jess wears the pants in her relationship. Her exasperated firmness with Ron tells us so much about their relationship without inundating us with backstory. In this house, she remains in control and runs the show to the best of her ability. As Jess’ predicament spirals further out of control, Greer bursts with ferocity. Jess has fought for her whole life, but this whole situation awakens her and takes her to new heights.

This phase of Greer’s career is an exciting one, and Jess Lipki may be the most exciting notch in that journey yet. Honesty is Greer’s priority, and every note rings true as she swings back and forth on the emotional pendulum with remarkable abandon. Even in small, quiet beats, Greer acts her ass off and gives us some of the most nuanced work we’re likely to see all year. We’re so lucky to witness Greer in a role like this.

Goodman is effective as well, bringing his usual stoicism to Blake Junior. He’s menacing without descending into cartoon territory. Cranston, on the other hand, is downright silly as Dave, bringing a nice counterbalance to the darkness around our characters. Wise is an underrated gem in the movie as Blake Junior’s daughter, a shiny facade trying her best not to crack under any circumstances.

Benda and Helstad build out a tremendous tonal balance around the performances. The stakes are high and the circumstances dire, but there’s a dark sense of humor bubbling underneath. They understand the duality of desperation and how it can turn us into our most ridiculous or darkest selves.

There will undoubtedly be comparisons to Fargo (1996), and the filmmakers themselves have said Breaking Bad (2008) was an influence. That’s all there, but Benda and Helstad manage to emerge with their own distinct perspective and flair. It’s a weird, quirky story laced with vibrant personalities. 

But Chili Finger is a tragedy in many ways, diving deeper than the premise suggests on paper. We watch a woman with a full heart be pushed to places where the people in her life can’t recognize her anymore. Chili Finger feels plucked from this day and age, speaking to the limits working-class people are pushed just to have a shred of fulfillment. 

Review Courtesy of Adam Patla

Feature Image Courtesy of Archstone Entertainment via Variety