Arkansas

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 5, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Liam Hemsworth as Kyle Ribb
• Clark Duke as Swin Horn
• Vince Vaughn as Frog
• John Malkovich as Bright
• Vivica A. Fox as Her
• Eden Brolin as Johanna
• Michael Kenneth Williams as Almond

Director
Clark Duke

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut for a feature film

Producer

• Patrick Hibler
• Jeff Rice
• Martin Sprock
• Clark Duke

Writer

• Andrew Boonkrong
• Clark Duke
• Based on the novel Arkansas by John Brandon

Budget
Estimated at $7 million

Production Company

• Sprockefeller Pictures
• Burn Later Productions
• Jeff Rice Films

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Drug content
• Language
• Mature themes

Movie Story
“Arkansas” is a gritty crime drama that weaves a darkly comedic tale of the criminal underworld in the Southern United States. The film follows the story of Kyle Ribb (Liam Hemsworth) and Swin Horn (Clark Duke), two low-level drug dealers who work for a mysterious kingpin known only as Frog (Vince Vaughn). Operating under the cover of night, Kyle and Swin are content to follow orders, keep a low profile, and enjoy the spoils of their illegal activities.

Their lives take a turn for the worse when a deal goes wrong, and they find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of deception, violence, and betrayal. As they navigate the increasingly perilous situation, they begin to question the motives of their unseen boss and the true nature of their work. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including the enigmatic Bright (John Malkovich), who oversees their operations, and Her (Vivica A. Fox), a woman with her own ties to the underworld.

The film is structured in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks revealing Frog’s rise to power and the origins of his criminal empire. As the past and present collide, Kyle and Swin must decide where their loyalties lie and how far they’re willing to go to survive in a world where trust is a rare commodity and betrayal is always lurking around the corner.

“Arkansas” blends elements of crime thrillers and dark comedy, offering a Southern Gothic twist on the classic drug trade narrative. The film explores themes of ambition, survival, and the consequences of a life lived on the edge, all set against the backdrop of the American South.

Special Effects
The film’s style is rooted in its storytelling and atmosphere, with limited use of special effects. The focus is on creating an authentic Southern setting and building tension through character interactions and the unfolding plot. The film’s violence is depicted realistically, emphasizing the brutality of the criminal world that Kyle and Swin inhabit.

Box Office Performance
“Arkansas” was released during the COVID-19 pandemic and had a limited theatrical run, primarily finding its audience through video-on-demand platforms. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances, particularly Vince Vaughn’s portrayal of Frog, and for its unique tone. However, some criticized the film’s pacing and convoluted plot structure.

Filming Locations

• Alabama, USA
• Mobile, Alabama, USA
• Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “In the South, we don’t hide crazy. We put it on the porch and give it a sweet tea.” – Swin Horn
• “The difference between a hero and a villain is that the villain always has a plan.” – Frog

Behind-the-Scenes
“Arkansas” marks Clark Duke’s directorial debut, and he also co-wrote the screenplay and starred in the film. The project was a passion project for Duke, who was drawn to the novel’s mix of dark humor and Southern noir. The film’s cast, including veterans like Vince Vaughn and John Malkovich, brought a strong presence to the project, helping to elevate the material. The production aimed to capture the essence of the American South, using real locations to enhance the film’s authenticity.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Arkansas” is a dark, Southern crime drama with a quirky edge, offering a fresh take on the drug trade genre. While the film’s non-linear narrative and deliberate pacing may not appeal to all viewers, it boasts strong performances and an engaging atmosphere that captures the seedy underbelly of the Southern criminal world. Vince Vaughn stands out as the enigmatic Frog, delivering a performance that balances menace and charm. For fans of Southern noir and crime dramas, “Arkansas” is a unique and worthwhile watch.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10