Night Moves

While it might be easy to broadly embrace or condemn the efforts of radical environmentalists, Night Moves isn’t interested in simple solutions to its real-world problems.

Instead, this provocative thriller probes the concept of eco-terrorism from both sides. It appears to take a tree-hugging stance in one sequence, and in the next, it looks at the actions and motives of its characters with skepticism.

The story follows Josh (Jesse Eisenberg), who generally lives off the grid while working as an organic farmer. Brooding yet neurotic, he’s desperate to make a statement against energy consumption and corporate America. So he joins forces with a disillusioned college dropout (Dakota Fanning) and an ex-Marine (Peter Sarsgaard) who provides the brawn to complement Josh’s brains.

Their goal is to blow up a hydroelectric dam in the Pacific Northwest in what they consider to be the ultimate act of rebellion and sabotage. But while their idea is carefully mapped out, the execution doesn’t have the intended effect.

Unforeseen complications lead the trio of co-conspirators to dissolve their partnership, and the ethical ramifications cause each of them to reconsider the cause and their involvement amid plenty of backtracking and second-guessing.

Night Moves marks the most accessible film yet for director Kelly Reichardt (Meek’s Cutoff), while still retaining some of the naturalistic qualities of her earlier, low-budget works. It’s deliberately paced and atmospheric, using powerful imagery to establish mood rather than intrusive music or visual effects.

Plus, she continues to set her films in her home state of Oregon, using a collection of more rugged Northerners with thick coats and abundant facial hair. But as with Reichardt’s prior efforts, this story is specific to its setting.

Meanwhile, the three lead actors demonstrate their versatility with performances that range outside their usual comfort zone, with Eisenberg providing a subdued emotional anchor and Fanning delivering her most mature portrayal to date.

The character-driven screenplay works best in its quieter and more intimate moments, gradually building tension as the scheme is strategized and executed. And even if things become muddled in the third act, the film rewards viewer patience with a thoughtful examination of guilt and social responsibility.

Rated R, 112 minutes.