Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain will headline the upcoming crime drama A Most Violent Year. Isaac plays Abel Morales, an ambitious immigrant living in New York City in 1981, one of the most violent years in the city’s history. Morales struggles to protect his family and his business during this dangerous and frightening time. But the hard-working Abel isn’t merely looking to survive; he wants to expand his business. Driven by a hunger for success, he is tempted to join in the rampant corruption of the city, becoming part of the problem rather than the solution.

Chastain stars as Abel’s wife Anna. Alessandro Nivola (American Hustle) plays a heating oil distributor who is in competition with Abel. The cast also features Albert Brooks (Drive), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Magic Mike), Ashley Williams (How I Met Your Mother), and rising star David Oyelowo.

The film was written and directed by J.C. Chandor, whose most recent work includes writing and directing the innovative Robert Redford action/adventure All Is Lost.

Isaac actually replaced Javier Bardem, who was originally cast as Abel. Isaac’s other high-profile projects slated for release over the next couple of years include Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens and X-Men: Apocalypse. Chastain, best known for Zero Dark Thirty, is currently filming The Martian with Matt Damon.

Following its world premiere Nov. 6 at the American Film Institute Festival, A Most Violent Year lands in theaters nationwide Dec. 31.