No one will accuse writer-director-editor-producer Brady Nelson’s feature-length debut, Outrage, of being simple. No, the dramatic thriller is timely and has a lot — A LOT — to say about the media, politics, and the uptick of the intentional spread of misinformation. But is it too heavy-handed, or does the filmmaker make his points saliently?
Kevin (Alex Campbell) and Jesse (Kayley Stallings) have been recruited by Birdie (Josh Lopez) to leave their troll farm gig to work on a big misinformation campaign to influence the current presidential race. At the office, the new hires meet the demanding Bryan (Paul Stuart), the leader of this media manipulation company. Bryan tells them what to say and how to spin headlines that are unfavorable to the desired outcome. At first, Kevin and Jesse put up some mild objections, wanting citizens to be able to make up their own minds without any falsehoods painting incorrect points of view. But Bryan lays down the law, so to speak, and soon the four pseudo-journalists/muckrakers are inventing stories or playing up minor aspects of this or that event to achieve their endgame.
However, Kevin is not who he seems to be. In fact, he’s an undercover journalist hoping to get enough dirt to expose Bryan and his company’s media manipulation. But over the night, a groundbreaking story about their client continues to gain traction. This threatens to derail both Bryan’s undemocratic process of news reporting and thwart Kevin’s cover, which could put him in mortal danger.
“…an undercover journalist hoping to get enough dirt to expose Bryan and his company’s media manipulation.”
Outrage is pure dynamite. While people typing on laptops, sending texts, and reading e-mails may not sound cinematic, in Nelson’s hands, these things are very much so. The editing makes switching tabs and sending messages engrossing. The sound of a new notification or e-mail arriving becomes heavy with tension and fraught with danger. The filmmaker has taken a page out of 12 Angry Men in regards to camera movement and its relation to these characters working in a cramped single location.
The timely script is sure to piss off many viewers. Hopefully, it will also serve as a call to action for all watching. Without giving too much away, it is vital to vet the sources of anything consumed, even if it means admitting that what you thought you knew is incorrect. Nelson wisely knows that doing that is something most people don’t want to do because it means change, and that is one of the most difficult things possible, which is what Bryan is exploiting. It is very smart and unexpectedly intense.
Campbell excels at portraying the dual nature of his character. Stuart is malevolent, boarding on sociopathic, and is nothing less than horrifying the entire 96-minute runtime. Stallings delivers her part’s sardonic attitude with zeal. Lopez is a little unsettling and very dramatic at the same time.
Outrage is sure to make some folks mad, but that’s the point. It is timely and timeless, pointing out the flaws in the news media, social media, and political discourse with class while never being boring. The actors brilliantly portray their respective roles and understand the gravity of the story being told. Nelson has made a perfect film that needs to be seen by everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
For more information, visit the Outrage official site.
"…is sure to make some folks mad, but that's the point."
