It’s mostly at night, but it barely moves

Night Moves, the fifth feature from Wendy & Lucy director Kelly Reichhardt, takes its name from a boat purchased by Josh (Eisenberg – Social Network, Now You See Me) and Dena (Fanning – The Twilight Saga, War Of The Worlds) during the early scenes of this eco-thriller. Josh, a hard-nosed loner, and Dena, a college drop-out turned impassioned eco-warrior, intend to use the boat as part of a meticulously planned attempt to blow up a hydroelectric dam, which is intended as a spectacular protest against the corporate devastation of local natural resources.  

This is where Harmon (Sarsgaard – An Education, Blue Jasmine) comes in. He’s an ex-marine with experience in explosives, who now lives like a hermit on the fringes of society. With Josh masterminding the operation and Dena bankrolling it, we spend the first hour of the film watching the three prepare, discuss and debate the finer details of their plot. 

Oh Dena and oh dear
Here, there are two memorable scenes, one of which is excruciating to watch as Dena attempts to purchase ammonium nitrate without the necessary documentation, and another in which Josh and Dena hit a deer on their drive to a rendezvous with Harmon. The latter is particularly haunting due to the discovery that although the animal is knocked dead, it is pregnant and the calf it is carrying is still alive inside. This is a key scene that resonates throughout the film, illustrating the fundamental differences in these characters and their approach to similar ends.  

The character exchanges are all lean and naturalistic, free of superfluous dialogue and framed in careful compositions. The overall effect is a slow-burn that gives the early proceedings a surface mundaneness to contrast with the growing tension as the operation approaches. That steady momentum and the scene in which they attach explosives to the wall of the dam are wrought with the kind of suspense Alfred Hitchcock would have applauded.

Thereafter is the problem
The problems follow thereafter, both for the characters and the audience. Following their attempted sabotage, and the nationwide media coverage of the event, the characters become guilt-ridden and anxious about their involvement. As their resolve begins to unravel, so does the narrative engine. The three disband and we’re left to follow Josh as he returns to his work at an organic farm co-operative, where he apparently sorts vegetables. 

Eisenberg, who dazzled in his role as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg in The Social Network (2010), is fast revealing himself to have remarkable consistency. The confident arrogance that served his character so well in The Social Network seems to resurface in many other roles he plays. However, while this repetition may contribute to a rising sense of tedium here, Eisenberg isn’t solely to blame. 

The problem lies in that we no longer have the promise of an approaching incident – certainly there is the character’s threat of exposure, but there’s no specific event or timeframe and no distinct narrative movement in any direction. And yet the pace continues at slowly as before, still employing that same sparseness in its drama. This restraint, which was initially compelling, becomes frustrating, applying a slightness and simplicity to the entire endeavour. Long before the film ends, we cease to care.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees