Zero Dark Thirty

Everyone is entitled to their own politics and opinions, but Zero Dark Thirty isn't a propaganda film either way. It is not a movie about torture or the war on terror or any president. This is a film about one woman who dedicates herself completely for years on end to a single goal: locating Osama bin Laden (UBL). Zero Dark Thirty follows Maya, brilliantly played by Jessica Chastain, from her arrival in Pakistan throughout her dogged manhunt to its familiar conclusion and more importantly, it examines the cost. Maya is tough, persistent, brilliant, honest, and fearless. She has no romantic partners, no family; she makes a friend only to lose her to a suicide bomber. The pivotal moment in the film isn't the death of UBL. It's Maya's response to the Director of the C.I.A. when he asks her what else she's done for the agency. "Nothing. I've done nothing else." For almost a decade, she's done nothing else. The emotional and physical stamina of this woman is incredible. The whole film leads up to the final image, not of celebration, but of grief.
Chastain is a star. If you didn't already know this from her breakout year in 2011 or her Golden Globe win this past weekend, allow me to assure you. She is the real deal. There are several strong supporting actors in this film as well, including Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt (doing serious work!) as SEALs and Jason Clarke and Jennifer Ehle as fellow Agents. Kathryn Bigelow's direction is excellent, balancing the tense and violent with the calm and, at times, beautiful. I think she was robbed of an Oscar nomination. In fact, Zero Dark Thirty might get my vote for Best Picture (whether or not The Academy agrees is another story). This is a film that really sticks with you, for days after you've left the theater. Inevitably, this will be a film that continues to divide audiences, but if you like strong female characters, contemporary story lines, and thought-provoking direction, I think this is the best film you'll see for a while.