Rated PG-13, 116 minutes
Clever, involving "The East" a different kind of spy thriller
"The East" is an unusual, occassionally slow-moving but satisfying spy thriller with a different premise: that of eco-terrorism. As the environment becomes an issue in today's society, eco-terrorism becomes more of a threat, and "The East" deals with many of those issues. Sarah (Brit Marling), is a former FBI agent who goes to work for private intelligence firm Hiller Brood led by Sharon (Patricia Clarkson). As she leaves a boyfriend (Jason Ritter) and a comfortable lifestyle behind, she goes in search of an anarchist, eco-terrorist group called The East to protect one of her new firm's clients. She eventually finds and infiltrates the group led by Benji (Alexander Skarsgard) and Izzy (Ellen Page) but her allegiances are tested when she fals in love with Benji. Directed by Zal Batmanglij ("The Sound of My Voice") and co-written by Batmanglij and Marling, it's a clever but engaging take on the spy thriller genre with the advent of eco-terrorism hitting the headlines. The mid-section is a little slow and sluggish and the romantic angles lack realism, but it is otherwise a sturdy, well-acted film with believeable turns by Marling, Skarsgard, Page and one of my favorite but underrated character actresses, Clarkson. The entertaining "The East" is worth a look especially for those interested in the environment.
Wes's Grade: B
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