The Independent
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The Independent
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Independent is a political thriller about a journalist named Elisha (Jodie Turner-Smith) who stops at nothing to get to the truth behind the presidential campaign of a popular candidate (John Cena). The iffiest content is strong language ("f--k," "s--t," and more). There's also kissing, drinking, cigarette smoking, and verbal violence (workplace emotional abuse, mention of suicides and suicidal ideation). Ultimately, the film focuses heavily on the importance of teamwork and perseverance to get to the truth.
What's the Story?
THE INDEPENDENT follows Elisha (Jodie Turner-Smith), a dogged reporter who wants to break front-page news. After old-school columnist Nick (Brian Cox) teams up with her, she stumbles upon a "needle in a haystack" thread to a bigger conspiracy involving the most popular presidential candidate in the presidential race, Nate Sterling (John Cena). The conspiracy could bring down Nate -- but also democracy itself.
Is It Any Good?
This political thriller seems to want to be a modern All the President's Men, but it falls short of reaching that lofty goal. The Independent means well and has timely touchstones, including a consequential presidential race, issues like people of color being victimized by the political system, the journalism industry struggling to stay afloat in a post-truth society, and other social and political threats. But ultimately it fails to do anything new with the genre, even with Turner-Smith in the spotlight.
Turner-Smith's presence as a Black woman in the White, male-centric world of political journalism is meaningful. But that meaning stays on the surface; Turner-Smith is wooden in her role, never truly losing herself in her character. Cena is trying his hand at more serious fare here, and he does OK, but it's hard to believe him as a true presidential candidate. Cox, who, much like his character, is a seasoned professional, carries the film with his steadfastness and anchoring quality. Overall, The Independent could be better, but if you're open to the messages it wants to send, it can remind you of the importance of a free and unbiased press.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what The Independent has to say about the role of journalism in democracy. Can you think of any examples in real life?
How do Elisha and Nick showcase teamwork?
How does Elisha's perseverance bring her to the truth behind the campaign?
What is Elisha's integrity based on? Does she live up to her own ideals?
Why is it important to Elisha to find out what's at the root of the campaign?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 2, 2022
- Cast: Jodie Turner-Smith, Brian Cox, John Cena, Ann Dowd
- Director: Amy Rice
- Studio: Peacock
- Genre: Thriller
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language throughout
- Last updated: November 9, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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All the President's Men
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The Manchurian Candidate
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