One of cinema's most celebrated dark comedies has found a new streaming home. The 1996 classic Fargo is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, giving audiences across the UK the chance to experience this masterpiece of crime storytelling.
A Masterpiece of Dark Comedy
Directed by the legendary Coen brothers, Fargo presents a chilling yet hilarious tale that unfolds against the frozen backdrop of Minnesota. The film features an all-star cast including Frances McDormand in her Oscar-winning role as Police Chief Marge Gunderson, alongside William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, and Peter Stormare.
The story follows the increasingly disastrous consequences of a kidnapping scheme orchestrated by car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (Macy), who hires two incompetent criminals to abduct his own wife. His plan to extort money from her wealthy father quickly spirals out of control, drawing the attention of the very pregnant - and very perceptive - Chief Gunderson.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Fargo proved to be both a commercial and critical success, achieving what few films manage. Made on a budget of just $7 million, the film earned an impressive $60.6 million at the box office and maintains an outstanding 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have consistently praised the film's unique blend of humour and darkness. Janet Maslin of The New York Times highlighted Roger Deakins' "hauntingly photographed" scenes with "great, expressive use of white-outs that sometimes make the characters appear to be moving through a dream."
Kevin Maher from The Times noted the "icily evocative" North Dakota setting and the "air of sadness that blankets the film like snow adds genuine profundity." Meanwhile, Alain Masson of Positif observed how "the spirit of comedy counterbalances the violence of the gangster film and trumps it hands down."
Not for the Faint-Hearted
While universally acclaimed, reviewers emphasise that Fargo's distinctive tone might not suit all viewers. Heather Boerner from Common Sense Media described it as "dark, gritty, and brilliant. Not for kids," while Jeffrey Overstreet from Looking Closer noted it's "hilarious, disturbing, tragic, and hopeful. But it's not for the squeamish."
John J Pucchio of Movie Metropolis captured the film's unique appeal perfectly: "...one of the most hilariously twisted murder mysteries to come along since, well, since never."
The film's success spawned an acclaimed television anthology series in 2014, featuring major stars including Kristen Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Chris Rock, and Ewan McGregor across its various seasons.
UK viewers can now stream Fargo on Amazon Prime Video or purchase it through Apple TV, experiencing firsthand why this Coen brothers classic continues to captivate audiences nearly three decades after its original release.
