The Survivors (1983)

"The Survivors" (1983) is a darkly comedic thriller that plunges into the lives of two recently unemployed men, Sonny (Kris Kristofferson) and Jack (Robin Williams). Their already bleak circumstances take a sharp turn when they encounter a would-be robber. However, this encounter swiftly escalates as the attacker reveals himself to be a professional hitman with a personal vendetta against both Sonny and Jack. What follows is a desperate, often hilarious, fight for survival as these two strangers, bonded by misfortune and a shared enemy, must navigate a dangerous game of cat and mouse. This film earns its place on a list of Michael Ritchie's best for its quintessential Ritchie blend of social commentary and sharp satire. Ritchie masterfully uses the premise to explore themes of economic insecurity and the arbitrary nature of fate, all while imbuing the narrative with his signature cynical humor and a surprising degree of suspense. The unlikely camaraderie that forms between Kristofferson and Williams, two characters thrust into extraordinary circumstances, showcases Ritchie's knack for drawing out compelling performances and creating characters whose struggles resonate beyond the immediate plot. "The Survivors" is a prime example of Ritchie's ability to dissect the anxieties of modern life through the lens of absurd and engaging storytelling.