Josh (Jesse Eisenberg) is an environmentalist eager for a better world. Willing to do anything for his cause he aims to destroy a controversial dam.
Turning from eco-warrior to eco-terrorist, he enlists the help of friends Dena (Dakota Fanning) and Harmon (Peter Sarsgaard). Planning how to execute their explosive agenda, they set in motion events testing their resolve and slender friendships.
Night Moves offers an interesting insight in the consequences of following through on strong beliefs. Josh’s zeal in achieving his target and the moral implications of his actions ensures the story remains gripping.
His friends’ reaction to his behaviour effectively provides the central drama. It’s fascinating seeing how a single act conjures feelings of paranoia, desire and hate. The main performing trio succeed in conveying these various emotions with their character’s friendships easily shaken despite their shared ideals.
Whilst its tale is generally absorbing, Kelly Reichardt’s direction often dilutes any tension. Her glacial pacing and unusual interpretation of the script detracts from Night Moves becoming totally enthralling. Despite this, the sense of foreboding as everyone deals with the aftermath of their plans is palatable. The night-time scenes mirror the darkness slowly enveloping them as the net slowly tightens. This allows for an unpredictable edge to the plot with a conclusion not necessarily set in stone.
Using current issues to tell an arresting tale, Night Moves often captivates. It never quite achieves total engagement although it offers a timely examination in the power of beliefs and how far people go in justifying their actions.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 7
Night Moves opens in cinemas across Australia on 11 September 2014.
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