What do you get when you combine Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, Peter Sarsgaard and a bit of radical activism? As intriguing as that question is, we will have to wait and see, as the new film Night Moves, from director Kelly Reichardt, moves on from the Venice International Film Festival to the Toronto International Film Festival this week.
Reichardt does not have the most extensive filmography, but what she has brought to the table so far has quickly made her one of the more promising American directorial talents. With three distinct and visually impressive dramas under her belt in Old Joy, Wendy and Lucky, and Meek’s Cutoff (2006, 2008 and 2010 respectively), Reichardt certainly piqued my interest with the impressive cast and thought-provoking synopsis that this newest film provides.
If you have yet to check out any of those films, the first clip from her newest film below will give you a sense of the slow-paced contemplative storytelling style that Reichardt has come to be associated with.
As you can see, other than the three characters appearing somewhat somber and thoughtful, and some gorgeous views of the Oregon wilderness, there is not too much to digest here.
The plot is laid out as such: three Oregon environmentalists plot to blow up a hydroelectric dam. Jesse Eisenberg will play Josh, a young man who works on an organic vegetable farm. His partners in crime are Dena, a college dropout played by Dakota Fanning and Harmon, a former marine played by Peter Sarsgaard.
With the film centered around eco-terrorism, the dam is sure to be the symbol of an industrialism that the three view as dangerous. Reichardt will be examining not only the characters who plot to commit the act and their individual reasons and motivations, but surely the consequences that arise from it too.
As with the director’s earlier work, Night Moves is surely a film to look out for. There is no official U.S. release date as of yet but you can expect a review from us once the Toronto International Film Festival gets underway this week.