Echo Boomers (2020) is a crime drama film that tells the story of a group of disillusioned college graduates who turn to a life of crime as they rob from the rich to live the lifestyle they feel they deserve. Directed by Seth Savoy, the film stars Patrick Schwarzenegger, Alex Pettyfer, Michael Shannon, and Lesley Ann Warren.

Overview:

• Director: Seth Savoy
• Starring: Patrick Schwarzenegger, Alex Pettyfer, Michael Shannon, Lesley Ann Warren, and Hayley Law
• Release Date: November 13, 2020
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary:

The movie focuses on a group of recent college graduates who are facing the harsh realities of post-graduate life, such as crippling student debt and unemployment. Feeling betrayed by a system that they believe promised them success but delivered nothing, they decide to take matters into their own hands.

The leader of the group, Lance (Patrick Schwarzenegger), persuades his friends to join him in a series of home invasions targeting the wealthy elite. Instead of merely stealing valuable items, they destroy the lavish homes of the rich, justifying their actions as a form of rebellion against the corrupt system. Their mission becomes not only a way to make money but also a form of expressing their anger and frustration with societal inequality.

Things escalate when Mel Donnelly (Michael Shannon), a fixer who facilitates their crimes, becomes involved. As the stakes get higher and the group becomes more reckless, they must confront the consequences of their actions, both legally and morally.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Generation Disillusionment: The film explores the struggles of Millennials (often referred to as “Echo Boomers”) who are burdened with debt and feel disenfranchised by the promises of success that never materialized. It reflects the frustrations of an entire generation grappling with economic inequality.
• Morality and Rebellion: The characters justify their criminal activities by framing them as acts of rebellion against the rich, whom they believe have unfairly accumulated wealth. The moral ambiguity of their actions is a central theme, as the group oscillates between feeling justified and guilty.
• Consequences of Crime: As the characters get deeper into their criminal activities, the tension builds as they face the increasing dangers and the potential fallout from their destructive lifestyle.

Characters:

• Lance Zutterland (Patrick Schwarzenegger): The protagonist and leader of the group, who convinces his friends to turn to crime. Lance is a conflicted character, driven by both financial desperation and ideological frustration with the system.
• Jack (Alex Pettyfer): Another member of the group, Jack is more reckless and less concerned about the consequences of their actions, creating conflict within the team.
• Mel Donnelly (Michael Shannon): A shady character who profits from the group’s crimes. He plays a key role in facilitating their operations and represents a deeper layer of corruption and greed.
• Allie Tucker (Hayley Law): One of the gang members, who grapples with the moral consequences of their actions, questioning whether their rebellion truly justifies their destructive methods.

Visuals and Tone:

The film uses a gritty, urban aesthetic to depict the high-stakes world of crime and the contrast between the characters’ impoverished living conditions and the lavish homes they target. The tone is dark and tense, with moments of introspection as the characters reflect on their actions and motivations. The destructive scenes of the group trashing wealthy homes are symbolic of their rage and dissatisfaction with the world.

Reception:

Echo Boomers received mixed reviews from critics. The performances, particularly those of Patrick Schwarzenegger and Michael Shannon, were praised, but the film’s overall execution was criticized for lacking depth. Some felt that the movie didn’t fully explore the complex themes of generational disillusionment and inequality, while others found the plot to be somewhat formulaic.

Conclusion:

Echo Boomers is a crime drama that tackles the frustrations and challenges faced by a generation trying to find their place in an economically unfair world. While it provides a glimpse into the mindset of young people struggling with debt and disillusionment, it ultimately presents a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning to crime as a form of rebellion. Despite its mixed reception, the film offers strong performances and an interesting perspective on the societal issues facing Millennials.