The topic “films about drugs 2016” explores the myriad ways in which cinema in 2016 approached the complex and multifaceted subject of drugs. These films could range from hard-hitting dramas that delve into the personal and societal impacts of drug addiction, to thrillers centered around the drug trade, to documentaries that explore aspects of drug culture or policy. The common thread among them is their exploration of the world of substances, shedding light on the experiences of those entangled in their use, distribution, or the fight against them.
“American Honey”, 2016
Director: Andrea Arnold
This film tells the story of a teenage girl who joins a traveling magazine sales crew, gets caught up in the whirlwind of hard partying, law bending, and young love. The crew drives across the American Midwest selling subscriptions by day and partying by night, with drugs being a constant presence in their journey.
Starring: Sasha Lane, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough, McCaul Lombardi, Arielle Holmes, Crystal Ice, Veronica Ezell, Chad Cox, Garry Howell, Kenneth Kory Tucker;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, melodrama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 163 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “American Honey” on the website imdb.com
“T2 Trainspotting”, 2017
Director: Danny Boyle
A sequel to the 1996 film “Trainspotting,” this film revisits the characters 20 years later. Directed by Danny Boyle and based on characters created by Irvine Welsh, the narrative continues to dive deep into the lives of individuals tangled in the web of heroin addiction, reflecting on how their lives have changed and how some things remain perilously the same. Although primarily released in the UK in early 2017, its initial screenings began in December 2016.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Anjela Nedyalkova, Kelly Macdonald, James Cosmo, Shirley Henderson, Irvine Welsh, Steven Robertson;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “T2 Trainspotting” on the website imdb.com
“The Infiltrator”, 2016
Director: Brad Furman
This crime drama is based on the true story of Robert Mazur, a U.S. Customs special agent, who uncovers a money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Mazur goes deep undercover, navigating a dangerous web of bankers and businessmen connected to the drug trade.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Diane Kruger, Juliet Aubrey, Amy Ryan, Joe Gilgun, Rubén Ochandiano, Yul Vazquez, Simón Andreu;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Snowden”, 2016
Director: Oliver Stone
While not primarily about drugs, “Snowden” features a subplot that delves into the drug use of its main character, Edward Snowden, and its impact on his life and career. The film, directed by Oliver Stone, focuses on Snowden's revelations about NSA surveillance activities but doesn't shy away from portraying his personal challenges, including those related to drugs.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Scott Eastwood, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage, Timothy Olyphant, Jaymes Butler;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
These films from 2016 approach the subject of drugs from various angles, offering insight into the personal, social, and political dimensions of drug culture and its consequences.
The cinematic landscape of 2016 offered a vivid, unflinching look at the complexities of drug addiction, weaving narratives that span from the gritty corners of urban decay to the silent agony in suburban homes. These films go beyond mere spectacle, emphasizing the human stories at the heart of the drug crisis. Through a blend of stark realism, innovative storytelling, and profound empathy, filmmakers have not only captured the harsh realities of addiction but also spotlighted the glimmers of hope and resilience among the ruins. As the curtain falls on 2016, these films stand as a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate the darkest facets of human experience, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a lens of compassion towards those battling their own demons in the shadow of drugs.
