Opinion & writing by Tony Frame

There’s a bleakness in Night Moves that hooked my attention from the outset. The soundtrack and the cinematography paint the state of Oregon as a state that is devoid of colour and life which could be construed as a metaphor for the film’s main theme of environmentalism.

Jesse Eisenberg leads a stellar cast, comprising of Dakota Fanning and Peter Sarsgaard, as a group of eco-activists who are planning to make a difference with an explosive act of industrial sabotage.

Images courtesy of IMDB

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The film is procedural in its narrative for the most part as we go along with the three activists as they put their plan together, piece by piece.

There’s a good dynamic between the three leads and director Kelly Reichardt handles every scene with precision and understanding of what each character seems to be thinking under the surface.

There are quite a few moments of tension and suspension throughout and I found this and the drama very gripping at times.

The performances from all of those involved felt fitting and realistic for their roles and the actors really do get the opportunity to show off their internal thoughts in choice scenes.

Images courtesy of IMDB

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The only negative point I have is that I felt that one pivotal scene, near the end of the movie, could have been choreographed slightly better.

Other than that I think it is a hidden gem of Indie cinema and with such a good cast and well-executed story I am surprised I never came across it until now.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Writers: Jonathan Raymond (as Jon Raymond), Kelly Reichardt

Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, Peter Sarsgaard | See full cast & crew »