Actor/writer Brit Marling and director/writer Zal Batmanglij — the creative team behind the smart little indie “The Sound Of My Voice” — are just getting started, but their sophomore effort is about to arrive and it’s hopefully the second chapter in a long line of collaborations. The duo employ genre elements and then turn them on their sides with an independent, character-driven perspective and the results, so far, have been certainly worthwhile. The premise of their latest, “The East,” is super intriguing as well and centers on an operative for an elite private intelligence firm (Marling) who is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations. However, personal conflicts arise when she integrates into the group and begins to fall for one of its charismatic members.
Starring Marling, Ellen Page, Alexander Skarsgård, Toby Kebbell (“RocknRolla“) and Shiloh Fernandez (“Skateland,””Red Riding Hood“), the film obviously boasts an excellent cast. Here’s the film’s official synopsis.
THE EAST, a suspenseful and provocative espionage thriller from acclaimed writer-director Zal Batmanglij and writer-actress Brit Marling, stars Marling as former FBI agent Sarah Moss. Moss is starting a new career at Hiller Brood, an elite private intelligence firm that ruthlessly protects the interests of its A-list corporate clientele. Handpicked for a plum assignment by the company’s head honcho, Sharon (Patricia Clarkson), Sarah goes deep undercover to infiltrate The East, an elusive anarchist collective seeking revenge against major corporations guilty of covering up criminal activity. Determined, highly-trained and resourceful, Sarah soon ingratiates herself with the group, overcoming their initial suspicions and joining them on their next action or “jam.” But living closely with the intensely committed members of The East, Sarah finds herself torn between her two worlds as she starts to connect with anarchist Benji (Alexander Skarsgård) and the rest of the collective, and awakens to the moral contradictions of her personal life.
Due May 31st via Fox Searchlight, five new photos of the film have arrived courtesy of Hitfix. “The East” debuted at Sundance earlier this year and you can read our review here.