A group of 8 strangers gather together at an abandoned house in Texas, plotting to blow up the pipeline running across the land nearby. Through a selection of flashbacks, we learn the motivations of each of them, and how they came to meet.
A tense, taut masterclass in building dread and suspense. My nuts felt like they were in a vice throughout.
The use of flashbacks for the 8 protagonists is effective and puctuates the build up rather than interrupting it, acting as both a release valve and a way to add twists and depth to the tale. Each of the 8 protagonists are well sketched out, going beyond charicatures and stereotypes and coming from a cross section of society. It has a lot to say about activism and unity, and manages to take some great swipes at performative activism, without feeling smug or preachy or insincere: it's a film about how maybe we have to unite under the banner of political violence if real change is to happen right now. It's hard to disagree with the politics of the film.
The performances are stellar (highlights are Forrest Goodluck and Kristine Froseth as a maverick Native American, and a white girl stoner seemingly just along for the ride. Though personally I enjoyed seeing Jake "Looks Like Every School Bully Ever" Weary in more movies, and here portraying a hard-done by working man, further illustrating the need to unite rather than being intellectually superior and classist. Sasha Lane also turns in a subtly nihilistic performance), and the stripped back, stark shooting really works in the film's favour. The 3rd act twist keeps the momentum going rather than derails it.
An incendiary film.
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