An operative for an elite private intelligence firm finds her priorities irrevocably changed after she is tasked with infiltrating an anarchist group known for executing covert attacks upon major corporations.
A fast-rising newcomer to film, the willowy Marling is maturing fast, and encouragingly unwilling to dumb herself down for stock girlfriend roles. This is her strongest work yet and I hope a harbinger of much more to come.
– Colin Covert,
Minneapolis Star Tribune,
13 Jun 2013
fresh:
"The East" leaves questions unanswered, but at least it asks those questions.
– Tom Long,
Detroit News,
14 Jun 2013
rotten:
The latest collaboration between director Zal Batmanglij and screenwriter Brit Marling suffers from the same problem as their previous picture, Sound of My Voice: It's taut, compelling, unpredictable and completely wipes out in the final few minutes.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
20 Jun 2013
fresh:
Its morally ambiguous investigation of extreme left-wing politics is ... light years away from usual multiplex concerns.
– Guy Lodge,
Time Out,
25 Jun 2013
fresh:
Marling and Batmanglij don't fear or resent entertainment: They make effective thrillers... If they reach a major studio and bigger budget, they could be the right kind of dangerous.