Finestkind is a character piece directed by Brian Helgeland that explores the relationship between two brothers, Tom and Charlie, who are reunited after being separated from each other for several years. However, times are tough, and to get by, they find themselves becoming involved in the underworld, in what was meant to be a one-time-only job. The situation gets gradually worse as events start to spin out of control, and family bonds are strained to the limit. The seafaring thriller starring Tommy Lee Jones was filmed in Boston and on the open water, so let’s plumb the depths of the production for some interesting details about how it all came to be.
Where was Finestkind filmed?
New Bedford, Boston, Massachusetts
Brian Helgeland on the fourth level of the New Bedford parking garage | PETER PEREIRA/THE STANDARD-TIMES
A report in South Coast Today would reveal details on the shooting schedule in various locations around Boston including a lot of work in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
It was reported that filming took place on County Street, between Sawyer and Coggeshall Street. Further filming occurred on Adams Street, and many areas were closed to the public while the shoot took place. The article would go on to describe Jenna Ortega being spotted while filming a scene that was being recorded at the home of a local, and residents were delighted that the actress and crew were very amiable.
Fairhaven, Bristol County, Massachusetts
On the fourth day of filming, shots were done at Rasputin’s Tavern, located in Fairhaven at 122 Main Street. The bar is famous locally as a venue for live rock music. The shooting included scenes of actors Ben Foster and Toby Wallace leaving the bar and racing off in a pickup truck.
Sandra Jane Fishing Boat
The fishing vessel Sandra Jane was used and renamed Finestkind for the shots of the crew on the boat. A quick look at the Instagram page for the film has plenty of shots of the crew on the boat. Another boat called Double Down was also featured in the movie.
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Finestkind Production Timeline
Here’s a brief timeline of the film’s production, from its initial conception to release:
- As far back as 2018, the film was in the speculative phase with Jake Gyllenhaal and Zendaya attached to the project.
- In 2022, Paramount+ acquired the streaming rights.
- Filming began in April 2022.
- The film entered post-production in July 2022.
- By July 2023, the film was reported as complete.
- Finestkind was released on Paramount+ on December 15, 2023.
Who produced and directed Finestkind?
Finestkind was directed by Brian Helgeland, and you might know him from some early horror work including Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and 976 Evil. He would also write the screenplay for Hollywood Confidential and go into directing with Payback and A Knight’s Tale.
The film names its executive producers Jennifer Roth, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari, with Gary Foster, Russ Kransoff, Taylor Sheridan, and David C Glasser serving as producers, under 101 Studios, Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, and Bosque Ranch.
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