A Simple Plan (1998) | agoodmovietowatch
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A Simple Plan 1998

Our Take (by Renee Cuisia)

A Simple Plan, directed by Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead, Spider-Man) is a psychological thriller that follows two brothers and a friend who stumble upon $4 million in a crashed airplane. Initially agreeing to return the money once winter is over, they start to argue among themselves and get paranoid about being found out, eventually resorting to lies, deceit, and murder. The film, which stars Bill Paxton (Aliens) and Billy Bob Thornton (Fargo, Landman) as brothers, twists into horrifying turns, each one revealing a dark truth about what humans can do when shoved into desperate circumstances. Thorton was rightfully nominated for an Oscar for his role as the weak-link brother, while writer Scott B. Smith was nominated for an Oscar for adapting his novel of the same name for this film’s script.

Synopsis

Captivated by the lure of sudden wealth, the quiet rural lives of two brothers erupt into conflicts of greed, paranoia and distrust when over $4 million in cash is discovered at the remote site of a downed small airplane. Their simple plan to retain the money while avoiding detection opens a Pandora's box when the fear of getting caught triggers panicked behavior and leads to virulent consequences.

Awards

Oscars

2 nominations

Nominated: Best Adapted ScreenplayNominated: Best Supporting Actor

Golden Globes

1 nomination

Nominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

SAG Awards

1 nomination

Nominated: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

WGA

1 nomination

Nominated: Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Screen)

Nat. Board of Review

2 wins

Won: Best ScreenplayWon: Top Ten Films

LAFCA

1 win

Won: Best Supporting Actor

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About the author

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia

Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.