For me, a good thriller finds the balance between anticipation and intrigue, always keeping one step ahead without relying on quick edits to make the audience jump. Rather, by crafting a gripping story to build a giant crescendo that leaves you thinking about the consequences of even the best of intentions, director Kelly Reichardt creates an arrestingly suspenseful film with Night Moves.
Reichardt’s latest finds it’s lead in Josh (Jesse Eisenberg), an organic farmer in a picturesque, rural Oregon town. His awkwardness in social settings is brought out through his friendship with Dena (Dakota Fanning), a moody yet articulate outcast. Together, Josh and Dena have set a plan in motion that, unknown yet to the audience, seems elaborate and highly illegal. They meet up with Harmon (Peter Sarsgaard) the alpha male and obvious ring leader, and with a speed boat, a couple hundred pounds of explosives and a countdown clock, the trio set off into the night, determined to make a statement about the supposed environmental & social injustice going on around them by plotting to tear down an Oregon water dam.
The first act of the film is building the anticipation for the elaborate plan. The second act, and in my opinion the more heart racing part, is dealing with the aftermath.
Reichardt keeps the look and tone of the film cohesive by creating a very natural aesthetic. From the obvious beauty of the location to the way Eisenberg and Fanning effortlessly interact with each other, nothing seems forced or pressured. Night Moves is not a thriller just for the sake of it; the depth of the story is a psychological drama whose tension continues to build until the very last frame.
The first act of the film is building the anticipation for the elaborate plan. The second act, and the more heart-racing part, is dealing with the aftermath. Consistently looking over your shoulder. Never being able to take that long, deep breath. Not trusting anyone. These feelings Josh and Dena struggle with are all too palpable, and their consciously understated Ying/Yang relationship hits the perfect note.
Captivating performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning propel Night Moves into a league of its own, whose tension is felt romantically, ethically and emotionally. This struggle between right vs wrong and staying true to your beliefs, even if they are crazy & radical, is what makes Night Moves a knockout thriller from Kelly Reichardt.
