'$POSITIONS' Mixes Comedic Crypto Chaos with a Profound Study of Addiction
$POSITIONS is an indie thriller-comedy that follows the chaotic ups and downs of a blue-collar Midwesterner gambling his life savings on a cryptocurrency. On its surface, it may appear to share similarities with Uncut Gems, as both films are chaotic studies of gambling addiction. However, this film carves out its own niche with its balance of emotional grounding, vivid characters, and contemporary comedy.
The movie opens with a simple premise. Mike (Michael Kunicki) is struggling to care for his brother with Down syndrome, Vinny (Vinny Kress), after the passing of his mother. His luck takes a turn when his crypto investments make him $35,000. Seeing his new wealth, he immediately decides to quit his job and ask his girlfriend for an open relationship. Already, there is so much irony in the opening act. To begin with, his investments quickly plummet, leaving him unemployed and broke. The open relationship doesn’t go too well either, as it just means his girlfriend Charlene (Kaylyn Carter) now has (many) other boyfriends. What Mike thought was the fulfillment of the American Dream quickly becomes a nightmare.
