Cert 15
116 mins
BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong sex and gory images
So, here I was back at Nottingham Cineworld as if I had never been away (well it has only been six days).
I was surprised at how busy it was during the day on a Monday but it became clear why - because this is a superior thriller from the pens of its director Zal Batmanglij and star Brit Marling.
Marling plays an undercover agent of a private firm which has positioned itself against economic terrorists in the United States.
Thus, she goes off in search of a mysterious group called simply The East.
They have set themselves against huge global companies who target huge profits, irrelevant of the effect on the environment and those who do not have the power to answer back.
On the orders of her boss (Patricia Clarkson), Marling infiltrates the dissenters who are led by Alexander Skarsgard and Ellen Page.
At first, she is focused on her task, believing she is right to be trying to stop the anarchists on behalf of a company which protects the multi-nationals.
However, the more immersed she becomes, she begins to see shades of grey rather than black and white on either side.
Marling, who impressed in Another Earth and Arbitrage, is an excellent lead - intelligent and daring.
Meanwhile, Clarkson is splendidly hard-assed as her boss and Skarsgard, Page and Toby Kebbell are convincing as the self-styled resistance.
Intriguingly, Ridley and Tony Scott are producers of The East but the credit for its tension and gripping plot should go to Batmanglij.
He has created a movie which is well worth spending Monday or any other afternoon.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: Retching
Nudity: Briefly, yes
Overall rating: 8.5/10