Follow the lies. Find the truth.|Nov. 02, 2022|USA|108 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Thriller
Description: “The Independent,” a 2022 American political drama directed by Amy Rice and written by Evan Parter, features a star-studded cast including Jodie Turner-Smith, Brian Cox, Luke Kirby, Stephen Lang, Ann Dowd, and John Cena. The film follows Elisha “Eli” James, a reporter at the Washington Chronicle, who uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to sway the outcome of an imminent presidential election. Released on Peacock on November 2, 2022, the story revolves around Nate Sterling, a Yale alumnus, Olympic gold medalist, and best-selling author, who decides to run as an independent candidate. His opponents include the unpopular Democratic incumbent and Senator Patricia Turnbull, a Republican who could become the first female U.S. president if elected.
As Eli investigates, she befriends her idol, Nick Booker, and reveals a shocking discovery: Turnbull is allegedly embezzling funds from the lottery, specifically $1 for every $1,000, and funneling them into her Super PAC, jeopardizing funding for public schools. However, as the election nears, Eli and Booker uncover that Sterling, not Turnbull, is behind the fraud. Confronting him, they secure his confession. Alongside this political intrigue, Eli faces personal challenges, including her father’s death from cancer and a colleague attempting to claim credit for her work. After the Washington Chronicle fires the colleague instead of publishing the expose, Eli and Booker establish a new news outlet, “The Independent,” to ensure the public learns the truth.
The film was a collaboration between Anonymous Content, Park Pictures, and The Exchange. Notably, Parter’s screenplay was featured on The Black List in 3, a compilation of unproduced scripts highly regarded by industry professionals, receiving significant praise alongside other acclaimed works.
Cast director: Amy Rice
Cast actor: Jodie Turner-Smith, Brian Cox, Ali Marsh, Luke Kirby, John Cena, Ann Dowd, Margaret Odette, Alysia Reiner, Victor Slezak, Timothy Busfield
Original name: The Independent