The East, 2013.
Directed by Zal Batmanglij.
Starring Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell, Shiloh Fernandez, Julia Ormond, Patricia Clarkson, and Jason Ritter.
SYNOPSIS:
An ambitious intelligence agent is charged with infiltrating anarchist group The East and finds her loyalties tested.
Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij follow up 2011’s powerhouse film Sound of My Voice with an exploration into greed, corrupted and anarchy. Marling plays an ambitious intelligence agent Sarah who finds herself enraptured by the anarchist group The East and its enigmatic leader Benji (Skarsgard). The East is a fast paced, intoxicating and challenging film that demonstrates the corruption of the world we live in.
The East has been released at an interesting time in terms of news. The whistleblower scandal with Edward Snowden is all over the news and the new developments with the drug Diclofenac has just recently broken and we find ourselves asking what’s next. Perhaps that’s why The East is such a powerful film, it plays on the questions and scandals that are surrounding us every day, and it does so in an enthralling and terrifying manner.
Whilst Another Earth examined the possibility of second chances and mirror worlds, Sound of My Voice raised the questions of hope, trust and time. In The East, Marling and Batmanglij examines the concept of right and wrong in our day to day society. They question the trust we have in drug corporations, the sell by dates on our food and the materialistic life we live. It feels like an altogether more realistic film than her previous efforts and she should be applauded for it. The East is a searingly real view of the world we leave in, but it is careful never to preach to us too much. Instead they show the elation of sticking it to a corporation and the horror of consequences – a particularly harrowing scene after they attack a drugs company benefit will haunt for days. Throughout the film you feel Sarah’s pain and confusion as she becomes more attached to the group on a personal level; and it is this turmoil that drives itself to a stunning conclusion.
Marling has demonstrated her range as an actress as well as a writer, and she comes into her own in The East; changing from a hardnosed agent in one moment to a defenceless and emotional wreck in the next. The East also benefits from a phenomenal supporting cast including the likes of Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page, Toby Kebbell and Patricia Clarkson.
Ellen Page is the real standout throughout the film. We’re used to seeing her as a quirky and loveable type, but with her character Izzy she transforms into an embittered and soulful activist. Her passion shines through in every scene and the only criticism is that there should have been more of her in the film. Toby Kebbell also makes an appearance as fellow activist Doc and it’s impossible not to empathise with his character and feel that he’s justified in his actions. This is where Marling and Batmanglij succeed so well. They have created characters that make you question your moral stance and by the end of The East part of you will agree with their actions.
Alexander Skarsgard branches out from True Blood to take on the role of the leader Benji. His performance is mysterious and he balances menace with kindness expertly. Not much is revealed about Benji’s character and the relationship between him and Sarah feels forced on a few occasions. Where he really shines is in his banter with Ellen Page. Their scenes are electrifying and at times heart breaking. The relationship between Benji and Sarah is an interesting one; it starts off subtly and evolves into something much darker. However, as the film draws to a close it feels a tad unnecessary and is the films single flaw.
Patricia Clarkson’s intelligence boss Sharon is a fascinating character to watch and she’s portrayed expertly. She is a woman in control and her subtle manipulation of Sarah is enthralling. At one point Sarah informs her of a heinous act The East are about to commit against a corporation – Sharon simply states “they’re not my client”. She is cold and calculated, but one of the most fascinating antagonists of recent years.
The East is by no means a subtle film and the anti-corporate message is clear throughout. It doesn’t preach at you but they raise enough questions that you’ll be thinking about it for days. It is a film combined of astonishing performances, a gripping storyline that twists and turns, and it leaves an impression which is something any masterful film should do.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Originally published July 2, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
