Review of The East (2013) by Flipje — 26 May 2021

While I would agree with some critics who regard the ending as weak, I loved 95% of this film. I have watched it several times and enjoy the engagement between the characters. Brit Marling, especially, has a presence on screen, a balance between her classic beauty with something raw and genuine in her delivery.

I have not been a fan of her other work (Another Earth, Sound of My Voice) yet she is captivating here as Jane, a corporate security specialist going undercover in the world of drop-outs and railroad bums, mainly hoping to hone in on her mark, the eco-terrorist group, The East.

What she initially encounters is a hippie fest of supposed high morals, individuals oozing disdain for the laissez-faire and wasteful habits of modern society. The group's unofficial leader, Benji (Skarsgard) initially comes off as guru, a sensitive but sturdy soul preaching of man's inhumanity to nature.

Alongside him is Izzy (Page), acerbic and distrusting of others and civilization, Doc (Kebbel), a medical student that never graduated and other characters on the scattered fringes, all bound by their desire to pay back those who never paid for their eco-crimes.

Yet just as we and Jane become somewhat endeared to the mantras and philosophies, these 'jams' (eco-terror missions) carried out by the group bring with them a moral price tag and for Jane, an emotional weight.

This in itself opens up interesting questions and dilemmas. If the corporate CEOs that contribute to the destruction of nature and human life are untouchable, what retribution would indeed be justified? And those meting out punishment, are they no better than their victims? Who then is capable of being judge and executioner? Benji appears all-too-willing to accomplish his jams, even if means sacrificing certain people to accomplish his goals.

Meanwhile, as Jane gets to know him and his crew, she opens up, becomes vulnerable and begins to question not only her own corporate identity but that of the group she is investigating. As for the ending, the suggestion that she, now awakened to the complexities of the world, hopes to inform fellow corporate undercover officers of the corruption, this is naive.

It is hopeful, yes, providing a feeling of closure that might suggest change is coming. Overall, the film has no longueurs. Patricia Clarkson is solid as Jane's icily pragmatic corporate boss and for me, the story leaves a thoughtful mark.