Watch The Architect

The Architect is a 2016 drama film that follows the story of Leo Waters, an architect who is famous for his innovative and unconventional designs. However, his success comes at a high price as he struggles to balance his artistic vision with the demands of his clients. The movie stars Parker Posey as Drew, Leo's wife, who is struggling with her own personal demons. James Frain plays Tonya Neeley, a community activist who confronts Leo about his designs, while John Carroll Lynch portrays the role of Colin, an old friend of Leo's who tries to come to terms with his own troubled past.

The Architect takes place in a rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood, and Leo's latest project is a high-end, luxury apartment building that he envisions will be a masterpiece. However, his designs clash with the needs and desires of the tenants and community members. Throughout the film, we see Leo engage in a battle of wills with Tonya and other community leaders who are advocating for more affordable housing and community space in the area.

Leo is also struggling in his personal life. He struggles with his relationship with his wife, Drew, who is going through a mid-life crisis and dealing with addiction issues. Meanwhile, his daughter, Christina, is pushing back against his overbearing parenting style and trying to establish her own identity.

As the story progresses, tensions rise and relationships are strained. Drew's addiction spirals out of control, and Leo turns to Colin for support. However, Colin is dealing with his own demons and is not equipped to be the source of stability that Leo needs.

The Architect is a poignant and thought-provoking film that depicts the complexities of modern-day urban life. It highlights the struggles of artists like Leo, who are trying to stay true to their artistic vision while navigating the demands of commercial success. The film also raises important questions about gentrification, affordable housing, community spaces, and the role of architects and developers in shaping the built environment.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Leo by James Frain. The supporting cast members, including Parker Posey and John Carroll Lynch, also deliver strong performances that bring depth and complexity to their respective characters.

The cinematography is another strong point of the film, beautifully capturing the landscape of Brooklyn and the modernist architecture that Leo is known for. The film's use of light and shadow adds to the mood and atmosphere of the story, creating a sense of foreboding as tensions continue to rise.

Overall, The Architect is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful film that explores the complexities of modern-day urban life. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the struggles of artists and community activists while raising important questions about the role of architecture and development in our society. Fans of drama and indie films will appreciate the exceptional performances and beautiful cinematography of this must-see movie.

The Architect is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.