The most important issue in politics is in the hands of a lobbyist known to her competition as “Miss Sloane”. When a ruthless and highly successful political strategist, Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain), exposes the cutthroat world of D.C lobbyists on both sides of the gun control debate, with her ruthless tactics. New legislation requiring more stringent background checks for gun ownership is gaining traction in Congress, and Sloane is approached to spearhead the campaign, pitting her against the formidable power of her political opponents who know her best. Sloane faces an uphill battle to protect what she believes in, and silencing those critical of her brilliance. Deploying her notorious skills, and driven by a desire to win at all costs she jeopardizes those closest to her, and puts her own career at risk. “Miss Sloane” is directed by John Madden, and is rated R for Adult language and some sexuality.

“Miss Sloane” and John Madden accordingly take us into the fast-paced and often times controversial world of lobbyists and the price paid for pursuing such a career. If nothing else, this movie is an informative and poignant piece to get across those very sacrifices that those select few make, and I certainly can’t look at that position in politics the same way ever again. Before seeing this movie, I worried greatly not only for the entertainment value in such a concept, but also the understanding in communicating the strategies and concepts to what goes into every move. Thankfully, my fears were put to rest, as the movie’s personable approach makes for an easily understandable step-by-step procedural that will be easy for all to follow. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t like concept movies for example about chess and strategies of that caliber, then you’re not going to be too entranced by this world. I however have to say that Madden’s portrait of deception in the game of politics, when mixed with a very modern issue that is plaguing our own real world, presents a very alluring and scintillating viewing for one of the most deadly games that I have ever seen portrayed on film. The title character sank her hooks into me, and to describe it all in a single word; Ruthless.

This film is all about the performances, and from a top-notch, A-list cast of veterans and buzzworthy fresh faces, there’s plenty to gush about. Jessica Chastain continues her push as one of the most versatile actresses working in film today with her most lethal character to date. In Elizabeth Sloane, we meet a woman who is thirsty for competition, and will do anything to win at any cost. In that measure, there are times in the movie where she isn’t the most admirable of characters, but you never lose focus by what she is trying to accomplish. Chastain is not only one of my personal favorite actresses, but she is one of those leading ladies who has earned a reputation for being dependable despite the caliber in film. Her work here is magnetic because she exudes a personality that is every bit as intelligent as she is stone cold. Also joining us is film veterans like Sam Waterston and John Lithgow as two dirty Washington officials who oppose Sloane’s stance on anti-gun laws. Waterston offers a stirring performance that I have never seen from him. It’s quite refreshing to see him as an antagonist, and nothing in his delivery ever feels subdued or underwhelming. He is very much on-point with getting under the skin of his audience. Gugu Mbatha-Raw also gives another strong performance as a colleague of Sloane’s who has her own motivations for taking the job. Mbatha-Raw can deliver so much emotion in a singular stare to her opposition, and it’s a real treasure to see her and Chastain bounce off of each other for a majority of the second act, creating several proud moments for feminists who take this movie in.

This is a metaphorical chess game of sorts, with the opposition crafting out every move, and us the audience awaiting that pursuit before our very eyes. Considering most of our time is spent with Sloane and her team, we don’t see a lot of the motivations being brewed up on the other side. I really dug this approach to the surprises that hit us every time, and I was all for keeping the antagonists as shadowy of an entity as possible. Lobbyists have always been considered the slime of Washington, and what’s brilliant about Madden’s picture is he doesn’t try to combat any of that. Instead, he procures enough logic and reasoning to offer even seconds of relatability to the audience watching at home. You don’t have to appreciate what these men and women quite literally sell their souls to, but you do have to understand that A lot more than you think goes into it, and that curtain being pulled back is something that is educational, as well as disturbing as to what is being brewed within the underbelly of our nation’s capital. One curiosity that stirs within me is how this movie will be received considering it’s only marketed towards half of the population. If you support the second amendment strongly, “Miss Sloane” isn’t going to be your cup of tea, and this is a very brave stance when you consider how strongly this could effect the intake at the weekend box office. Madden is clearly a man who would rather preach a strong message before making money, and whether any of us agree or disagree with his politics, you have to respect that he puts his message before his wallet.

That’s not to say that “Miss Sloane” doesn’t have its problems. Most notably, the movie is about twenty minutes too long, clocking in at two-hours-and-twelve minutes, its ending is a little too contrived in the convenience of Hollywood endings, and considering the title of the movie, we learn very little about our central protagonist and why she stands so firmly for the issues she shares prejudice in. On the latter, the movie teases this question several times throughout the film, and it kind of just falls flat, failing to garner the proper answer that those of us have been looking for. Miss Sloane is very much a shadow to her opposition, as well as her audience, and that decision lacks major emphasis for the movie to draw us in closer to the woman who showcases such interpretive moments of loneliness in her world of power. I would’ve enjoyed slightly more vulnerability within the character, as I was left feeling like I learned everything about lobbyists and very little about the person who was the majority in marketing for the movie.

“Miss Sloane” is a powerfully constructed political thriller that rests souly on the shoulders of Chastain’s dependable delivery. What was surprising was just how intrigued the movie keeps its audience, despite an idea that should be anything but exciting on paper. John Madden’s vigorous portrait of determinism to serve the clients is the first step theatrically into the clutches of a post-Trump election, and who better than a ruthless woman to lead the charge?

7/10