The East

2013, Adventure/Drama, 1h 56m

148 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Tense, thoughtful, and deftly paced, The East is a political thriller that never loses sight of the human element. Read critic reviews

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The East Photos

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Movie Info

Sarah (Brit Marling), an undercover agent at a private intelligence firm, is hired to infiltrate the East, an ecoterrorism cell targeting companies that pollute the environment. Though one (Elliot Page) of the group's hardcore members is suspicious of her, Sarah manages to win over Benji (Alexander Skarsgård), the East's leader. However -- even as Sarah tries to maintain her cover -- she gains more sympathy for the group's cause while, increasingly, becoming drawn to Benji.

Cast & Crew

Brit Marling
Sarah
Alexander Skarsgård
Benji
Elliot Page
Izzy
Toby Kebbell
Doc
Shiloh Fernandez
Luca
Julia Ormond
Paige
Patricia Clarkson
Sharon
Billy Slaughter
Trevor Landen
Billy Magnussen
Porty
Wilbur Fitzgerald
Robert McCabe
Pamela Roylance
Diane Wisecarver
Ava Bogle
Miriam White
Danielle Macdonald
Tess
Zal Batmanglij
Director
Zal Batmanglij
Screenwriter
Brit Marling
Screenwriter
Ridley Scott
Producer
Michael Costigan
Producer
Jocelyn Hayes Simpson
Producer
Brit Marling
Producer
Tony Scott
Executive Producer
Roman Vasyanov
Cinematographer
Andrew Weisblum
Film Editor
Bill Pankow
Film Editor
Halli Cauthery
Original Music
Harry Gregson-Williams
Original Music
Alex DiGerlando
Production Design
Nikki Black
Art Director
Cynthia Anne Slagter
Set Decoration
Ronna Kress
Casting
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Critic Reviews for The East

All Critics (148) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (112) | Rotten (36)

View All Critic Reviews (148)

Audience Reviews for The East

  • Jun 08, 2014
    It's uneven, especially in its lack of real suspense and character motivations. But The East's moral ambiguity and complexity of ideas makes for an engaging thriller that the studio system should be making more often. Writer/actor Brit Marling is quickly developing into a force to be reckoned with, standing alongside a great supporting cast with wit and ferocity.
    Edward B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 13, 2014
    From writer Brit Marling comes the political thriller The East. A security agent for a private firm infiltrates a reclusive eco-terrorist group and must navigate the complicated life of a double agent. Unfortunately the paced is extremely slow and the aesthetic is rather dreary. Additionally, the eco-group is poorly developed and never really poses the danger or allure that it's supposed to. While there's some intrigue to the plot, The East is monotonous and ineffective.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 24, 2013
    I was pleasantly surprised by this movie and I am starting to admire Brit Marling as writer and actress. While some may love or hate the ending, I was thoroughly engaged in the story-line and I appreciate movies that leave me thinking afterwards.
    Wildaly M Super Reviewer
  • Dec 09, 2013
    Although it may drag out some scenes and have a few off moments, "The East" is a genuinely good thriller with very unique camerawork and a cast that you will not be able to turn away from. Every actor/actress in this film will engage you in the story and not want to stop watching. The first half of the film is far more interesting than the second half, but it's premise does not shy away from what it wants to get across. I think the biggest problem with the film is that it just chooses to end without any real resolution. I felt very letdown by the ending, but the characters stayed true, so that's fine I guess. This film has some scenes that really stood out to me, and that I would tell people to watch the film just to see those, the script is very well-written, and having Ridley Scott as one of your producers is a definite plus. I did not love this movie, but it is very very good!
    KJ P Super Reviewer
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