The East

From eco-terrorism to politically motivated corporate greed, The East deals with a host of hot-button issues large and small.

Yet while the subject matter is topical and provocative, the emotional impact of this low-budget espionage thriller is blunted because it doesn’t have the character depth or narrative momentum necessary to generate consistent suspense.

The story begins inside the office of a private intelligence firm specializing in corporate protection, where Sarah (Brit Marling) is a contractor given the task by her ruthless boss (Patricia Clarkson) of infiltrating an elusive left-wing collective known as The East, which plays elaborate pranks on large corporations to protest pollution, greed and other environmental issues.

The undercover scheme initially works to perfection, as Sarah befriends the other members of the group including Izzy (Ellen Page). But things start to unravel when her priorities waver and she develops feelings for Benji (Alexander Skarsgard), the committed and outspoken leader of the anarchists, almost in the same way a new convert would find solace in a cult.

The film marks the second collaboration between Marling and director Zal Batmanglij (Sound of My Voice). The duo researched the subject of “off the grid” activists extensively before teaming up on the screenplay, and their passion is admirable just as their talent is evolving.

The young ensemble cast is sharp, and the planning and execution of the attacks — usually some sort of creative comeuppance — creates some tension. The camaraderie between the characters feels authentic, and their mission raises some intriguing questions: Are they radical zealots stirring up trouble, or concerned environmentalists operating within their rights?

By raising those questions, the film partially succeeds. However, The East too easily sympathizes with its characters, and isn’t compelling enough between the pranks that provide the obvious highlights. The film becomes more far-fetched as it goes along, especially while addressing issues of morality and conscience, and ultimately settles for too many familiar thriller elements.

The bottom line is that moviegoers are unlikely to care about the characters even if they side with their cause. So despite a worthwhile concept, the film is admirable more for its effort than its execution.

Rated PG-13, 116 minutes.