The East

Ex-FBI agent Sarah Moss (Brit Marling) infiltrates eco-terrorist collective The East, a mix of predominately middle class college drop outs, as they plan “jams“ against senior managers of ethically corrupt corporate conglomerates. The key targets for retribution are pharmaceutical companies, for the various damages caused by their products. Featuring strong performances from female lead Brit Marling, along with excellent supporting roles from Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page in particular, director Zal Batmanglij previously collaborated with Marling on the acclaimed Sound Of My Voice and it is clear that the two have developed an excellent rapport. Batmanglij expertly captures Moss's balancing act as professional spy, eco-terrorist, and loving girlfriend, while Marling's chameleon-like performance matches the material perfectly. The film is very well paced, and effective in keeping the audience guessing throughout. Ultimately, though, the plot takes a number of silly turns, and makes some ethically simplistic choices that prevent it from being the hard hitting revelatory experience that the duo might have hoped for. Regardless, this is a slick, entertaining ride that is rewarding so long as it is not taken too seriously.