The Trial of the Chicago 7 Review: A Distinct and a Totally Powerful Courtroom Drama!

One of the most significant takeaways from The Trial of the Chicago 7 is how appropriately the general premise complies with today’s culture and that even after 50 years, the war or the tension between the right and the left still hasn’t marginally changed. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this Netflix Original courtroom-drama stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eddie Redmayne, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, and John Carroll Lynch in the primary roles. With Mark Rylance, Frank Langella, and a few others, rounding up the large ensemble of cast.

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Set in the late 1960s, the story of The Trial of the Chicago 7 follows the lives of our lead men, the Chicago Seven, leaders of separate groups of anti-Vietnam War demonstrators who are charged with conspiracy and are alleged violations of three varieties. That includes provoking riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago by crossing state borders. Subsequently, after being summoned to a clearly biased and politically influenced trial, the remainder of the film explains the events preceding the case and the drama that proceeded inside the courtroom.

With the screenplay written by an Academy award-winning writer, The Trial of the Chicago 7 shines bright when it comes to separating itself from the conventional courtroom drama template and ensured that the narrative is entertaining enough to sit through. Although the storyline opens right away with the trial, it cuts back to brief stories of the men accused and their journeys leading to the convention and the hearing. Exploring more about their personalities and viewpoints, Aaron Sorkin made sure that you get personally behind their struggle so that the pay-off is much sweeter in the long run.

Subsequently, complementing the remarkable screenplay, the dialogues in The Trial of the Chicago 7 also land that imperative impact and successfully strengthen the tension within a scene, but, most importantly, it makes you feel the gravity of the situation as the unpleasant vibe creeps in effortlessly. Accordingly, as a result of building the momentum and shaping up the narrative precisely, I, as a viewer, am able to engage with the story and cheered for the side the writer expected me to.

The performances from the entire cast are also a strong suit of the movie. Beginning with Mark Rylance, who astounds as the Defence Lawyer and Frank Langella manages to present himself as the most hated person in the entire room with the old-school traditions, biased dismissals, and his discontented facial expressions. Joseph Gordon-Levitt impresses as the prosecutor who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, in his brief role as Bobby Seale, startles in a significant role, especially in one remarkably executed scene where he is strangled and gagged.

Furthermore, the primary players, Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Jeremy Strong, and John Carroll Lynch, portray their roles impeccably and make us discern the frustration and the struggle they’re experiencing through their performances. Also, Sacha Baron Cohen, as Abbie Hoffman, enacts his part with ease and highlights the light-hearted side of his character perfectly.

And as I stated earlier, even though the incidents in this film took place fifty years ago, the narrative is still relevant and can easily be compared to the recent George Floyd protests that took place during the summer of 2020. The whole controversy around Police violence, the political agenda, the clear bias, and the unfair justice system are still looming problems in today’s culture. Nevertheless, the film serves as a reminder that nothing has changed over the years.

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Overall, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is, without a doubt, one of the Best Movies I’ve seen so far this year. Aaron Sorkin’s tremendous screenplay guarantees that the film soars high in regards to its distinct narration and the emotional viewing experience. The magnificent performances, the high impact dialogue, and the intense courtroom scenes make you behold the realness of the situations firsthand, especially the incredibly climax scene. A must-watch. Watch ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ on Netflix here.

Rating – 3.5/5 | Grade – B+

Images via Netflix