“The Company You Keep,” directed by Robert Redford is an interesting, modern fictional story based on past nonfiction. Basel on the novel by Neil Gordon, it tells the story of what could’ve happened with the surviving members of The Weather Underground. Formed in the ’60s, the group wanted to “bring the war home,” by committing acts of destruction in the U.S.A. to mirror the war in Vietnam.
The film starts with Sharon Solarz (Susan Sarandon) being arrested by the F.B.I. When lawyer Jim Grant (Robert Redford) is approached to defend her, he immediately refuses. Then young journalist Ben Shepard (Shia LaBeouf) confronts Grant with having a past with Solarz, Grant flees with his daughter (Jackie Evancho). Grant, it turns out, is not who he says he is by any means – he is actually Nick Sloan, one of the F.B.I.’s most wanted criminals on the run.
This political thriller is one of the best in recent years. It presents an issue that is highly debatable from an extremely conflicted time in American history and asks you to pick a side. Shepard embodies the neutral side, but by the film’s climax will have decided where he lands. The members of The Weather Underground truly believed in taking necessary action to stop an unnecessary war that plagued many citizens.
Redford has succeeded also by making another film that shows journalism in a rewarding light. Not since “All the President’s Men” has there been a film that has shown journalism in this way – being smart, cool, and able to make a difference. LaBeouf plays his most interesting character to date, solidifying his fantastic acting abilities. The cast, along with Redford, show the aging stars of ’70s cinema including Julie Christie. Having not lost any of their abilities, the film works even better with who is cast.
Other co-stars include Stanley Tucci, Sam Elliott, Stephen Root, Brendan Gleeson, Nick Nolte, Chris Cooper, Anna Kendrick, and many more – making it a special film with an all star cast that should not be missed. One of the year’s best so far, “The Company You Keep” will challenge your beliefs while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
For those who enjoy it, be sure to check out the Academy Award nominated documentary “The Weather Underground,” which goes hand in hand with this great film.
“The Company You Keep” is now playing in select theaters.
