Review of The East (2013) by Richard C — 13 Jun 2013

I'm not sure what I expected from this film but I can tell you I was a little disappointed. Centering on a group of eco terrorists who are targeting big corporations by holding individuals responsible for what their pharmaceuticals and toxic waste are doing to people and the environment.

A sort of new secret agent for a big security firm is hired and assigned to the case. After a brief set up she infiltrates the group and begins to slowly find herself being effected by their mission and what they stand for.

It kinda sounds like a thriller and it kinda is but it lacks a real sense of urgency and as a character piece it only feels half developed. We wanna root for Sarah the agent played well enough by Brit Marling but she just doesn't feel developed enough and her actions often come across a bit confusing and since she is the films main focus the more interesting characters that occupy the group such as Izzy played by a solid Ellen Page, Doc played by a likable Toby Kebell, Luca played with a seductive androgyny by Shiloh Fernandez and Benji played solidly by the handsome Alexander Skarsgard aren't given the focus their characters and performances deserve even more time spent with Sharon, Sarah's boss played by the always dependable Patricia Clarkson would have been better spent.

Not to say Brit Marling's performance is bad it just feels a little uneven as does her character. But the film's main problem is it's direction by Zaj Batmanglij it feels unfocused. it's hard at times to see what his intentions were.

That being said the East is a decent enough movie but lacks any real purpose. It's questions are intriguing at times and there seem to be real issues floating under the surface as well as some tense set pieces but it just never goes where you want it to and it culminates with something a bit too silly.

3/5.