These films use external genres (murder mystery and crime thriller) as vehicles to explore greed, loyalty, and favor within a family unit.

In complex family relationships, love is not the opposite of betrayal; it is the prerequisite. You can only betray someone you are bound to. Whether it is a son selling out his father for corporate gain, or a sister sleeping with her brother’s spouse, the betrayal must feel organic. The audience must gasp and say, "I knew they were angry, but I didn't think they would actually do that."