Night Moves
dir. Kelly Reichardt · 2014
Taking bold action for a cause can lead to profound personal and moral dilemmas that challenge one's understanding of right and wrong.
Feature
Environmental Crisis
Mood
Tense / Dark
Look
muted color palette with naturalistic cinematography, grounded in realism
Structure
character-driven with a slow build to tension
Plot
The story about three radical environmentalists coming together to execute the most intense protest of their lives: the explosion of a hydroelectric dam.
Why watch
"Night Moves" immerses viewers in the ethical complexities of radical activism, exploring the tense crossroads of environmentalism and personal conviction. With a hauntingly understated visual style and a profound sense of moral inquiry, this film is a contemplative examination of the lengths one will go to for their beliefs.
Cultural context
contemporary environmental activismAmerican individualismthe rise of eco-terrorism discoursedisillusionment with mainstream activism