The East
By Jeffrey M. Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Possibly controversial messages in eco-terrorism thriller.
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What's the Story?
Sarah (Brit Marling) works as a secret agent for a private intelligence firm; her job is so hush-hush that she can't even tell her boyfriend. Her latest assignment is to infiltrate an eco-terrorist group called "The East," whose crimes are designed to mirror the crimes that corporate entities have committed upon the world (poisoning the water, releasing deadly drugs on the market, etc.). She succeeds in joining the group and convincing them of her sincerity, but she finds herself falling for the group's charismatic leader, Benji (Alexander Skarsgard), and he for her. Things get even more complicated when one of the group's members, Izzy (Elliot Page), designs an attack (called "jams") that's a little too personal.
Is It Any Good?
If it weren't for the ludicrous ending, this film might be nearly outstanding. The incredible Marling, who wrote (or co-wrote) the screenplays for Another Earth and Sound of My Voice -- as well as producing and starring -- moves into a slightly bigger budget bracket with THE EAST, though the mood is still the same: thoughtful and emotionally risky. Like Sound of My Voice, the concept here is also the infiltration of a cult.
However, the plotting of The East has also advanced a bit more toward Hollywood. Most of the movie works like gangbusters, with Sarah's journey taking precedence over the anti-corporate messages. Her involvement with the cult and with Benji grows ever stranger and more precarious as the "jams" get more dangerous. Unfortunately, the filmmakers felt the need to tack on a fairly overcooked ending that feels both rushed and ridiculous. It knocks the entire movie down a few pegs, but there's still a lot here to admire -- and to think about.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The East's somewhat violent eco-terrorist, anti-corporate message. How do the movie's main characters justify their actions? Are they right, or is there a better way to get involved?
How does the anarchist collective demonstrate teamwork? How about trust? How does Sarah prove that she can be a member of their team?
Who are the "good guys" and "bad guys" in this story? After a while, does the anarchist collective seem bad? Does Sarah's boss seem good?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 31, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: September 17, 2013
- Cast: Alexander Skarsgard , Brit Marling , Elliot Page
- Director: Zal Batmanglij
- Inclusion Information: Middle Eastern/North African directors, Female actors, Non-Binary actors, Queer actors
- Studio: Fox Searchlight
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements, violence, some disturbing images, sexual content and partial nudity
- Last updated: November 17, 2022
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