Night Moves
Director: Kelly Reichardt
By Alex Watson
Ever heard Kelly Reichardt? Well if you haven’t then that is a shame and now is the time to make amends. Her previous movies Wendy & Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff have proven to be excellent portrayals of the natural world and the people we come into contact with. This week the US director tackles a whole new issue, eco-terrorism. People commit acts of vandalism in the name of the ideas they believe in, but what effect come afterwards? These ideas and more are explored in Night Moves.
Three individuals Josh (Jesse Eisenberg), Harmon (Peter Sarsgaard) and Dena (Dakota Fanning) are plotting to blow up a hydroelectric dam as they are infuriated that world is becoming over-run with technology. Eventually after a few minor hitches, the plan is executed. But when they learn of a small but tragic event that followed, the three are thrown into a crisis of conscience. Soon they begin falling apart at the seams as suspicion takes over.
Night Moves is an excellent and terrifically slow burning thriller which benefits from the truthful direction of Reichardt. Smartly, this film benefits from the things we do not see or hear, when we first meet the heroes, their exact reasons for wanting to carry out this act remain ambiguous and their back stories are cleverly withheld from us. The lack of answers to the questions may frustrate some, but it also helps to create a magnificent sense of apprehension and Reichardt succeeds in creating a film that is wonderfully tense from using so very little.
The first half of the movie is a gradually moving affair, as we view the characters preparing for the task ahead and desperately attempting to keep a lid on things. One key scene shows Dena participating in a low key but unbearably nervous purchase of fertilizer. But the after the mission is completed a heavy and paranoid edge is carried across. From there each character is has reached the point of no return and slowly doubt is thrown over their trust in each other.
Each character is different in themselves and their persona affects the movie in different ways. Josh is calm and calculative terrorist, never one to push things. Dena is drawn to him through this and his brooding both attracts and worries her. However, she does because involved in a troubling love triangle between the three men and seems more willing in the job when encouraged by the more radical thinking Harmon. All throughout we wonder what will bring about their downfall? There are whispers on the air that someone is talking and this thought will trouble us until the end credits.
Reichardt’s striking visual eye keeps the tension continuously flowing and for this the simplest devices are the most effective. The rumbling of car tires in the distance, headlights in the rear view mirror or even an awkward glance perfectly personify Josh’s jangled nerves. Also the electronic score by Jeff Grace combined with the beautiful and naturalistic cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt gives a haunting ambiance to Night Moves. The final shot however is one that is delightfully vague, so straightforward but at the same time could be all important- decide for yourself.
Jesse Eisenberg continues his great run of form as Josh, more subdued than his usual roles but nonetheless still electric. His serene approach in the films beginning is slowly replaced by a irrational thinking and leads to him beginning to unwind. Through Eisenberg this adds to the film tightening feel. Dakota Fanning also showcases what an impressive adult actress so is growing into with an understated turn as Dena- a girl both lovely but also growing to be a burden for both men.
Peter Sarsgaard is largely absent from affairs, but his presence is still noteworthy as the default leader Harmon. Sarsgaard in his limited screen time gives a great portrayal of a man who both lives and breathes under a life of darkness.
Night Moves will be one of 2014 most absorbing and gut stirring thrillers and Kelly Reichardt demonstrates why she is fast becoming an auteur of American Cinema. Best start watching her earlier work, because is one director we will hearing a lot more of in future years!
Closer to the Edge 