Night Moves, 2013.
Directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, Peter Sarsgaard, Alia Shawkat, Logan Miller, Kai Lennox, Katherine Waterston and James LeGros.
SYNOPSIS:
Three radical environmentalists look to execute the protest of their lives: the explosion of a hydroelectric dam.
An eco-terrorism story on the surface, Night Moves sees the quiet, solemn Josh (Jesse Eisenberg) working on an organic farm when he meets Dana (Dakota Fanning), an environmentalist in a small countryside town close to him. Soon enough, the two of them are off in a pick-up truck, en route to meet up with Harmon (Peter Sarsgaard), a loner across state who lives in the midst of the wilderness. But quite why the three of them have now met up together is still somewhat of a mystery, as their soon-to-be-revealed intentions have not yet presented themselves. Such is the way the story unravels, director Kelly Reichardt keeps us guessing right up until the first muttering of a dam are first discussed. Soon enough, it is the repercussions of their eventual actions that become the true catalyst for the film.
Night Moves comes on a wave of good reviews and notices from across the pond. Successfully navigating its way through the festival circuit, it has certainly got itself many admirers, and it’s perhaps no surprise to hear that the film deserves every one of its overwhelmingly positive reviews. A measured, unhurried thriller of sorts, Night Moves is a film that certainly takes it time to unravel, and it’s a far richer experience for it. This is all about character and plot, and director Reichardt, along with her co-writer Jonathan Raymond, purposely leave many of the details in the shadows like it characters. There is no rush to get to a big pay-off, no external “forces” telling them to hurry the story along and cut scenes, this is focused, deliberate film-making of the highest calibre.
Director Reichardt has slowly been making quite a name for herself over the last few years, with her previous efforts (including the excellent Michelle Williams-starrer Wendy & Lucy) all gaining much praise. This, her sixth feature, is arguably her best, and one that will be threatening many Top 10 lists come the end of the year. Her use of the natural elements in the surrounding areas, be in farmland or massive forest areas, is superb and uses them almost as secondary characters with some wonderful imagery throughout. In addition, her slow, creeping camera-work only add to the tension as it mounts particularly in the second half, and the combination of the two create some of the year’s most unforgettable images.
Another huge strength of the film is the cast who are impeccable throughout. Much has been made of Jesse Eisenberg in recent months after his “controversial” casting as Lex Luthor, but many (if not all) of the doubters can rest peacefully. After his superb performance in Richard Ayoade’s trippy The Double earlier in the year which demonstrated his depth and range, his work here is even better. A more subtle, muted performance, Eisenberg is a revelation, and if he gets the chance to add the kind of nuances he does here, then we could be in for treat in 2016.
Ably supporting him are Dakota Fanning and Peter Sarsgaard, both of whom give more examples of their considerable talents: Fanning, slowly breaking out from child-to-adult actress continues her impressive work on the indie circuit (she was also excellent in Very Good Girls) and again excites; while Sarsgaard, always hugely impressive in everything he does, adds a touch of class to proceedings. The trifecta of talents are a joy and only elevate the film further into the upper echelons of 2014’s best.
While the films slow, measured approach may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Night Moves is certainly one of the year’s most impressive films. Combining some wonderful images with a stirring, taut story and some truly tense moments, director Kelly Reichardt and her three superb leads have combined to create a work of true class, and one that will certainly be worthy of a place amongst the best 2014 has had to offer so far.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie ★ ★ ★ ★
Scott Davis
Originally published September 2, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
