Watch An Acceptable Loss
- R
- 2019
- 1 hr 42 min
-
5.5 (1,661)
An Acceptable Loss is a gripping political thriller that explores the dangerous repercussions of making morally questionable decisions in the name of national security. The film stars Tika Sumpter as Libby Lamm, a former national security advisor who served under Vice President Rachel Burke (Jamie Lee Curtis). The story is set in the aftermath of a controversial military operation that Burke orchestrated against a foreign enemy, which resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians.
The film opens with Lamm being introduced as a college professor who has published a bestselling book about her time in the White House. She is haunted by her role in the military operation and the fact that she provided Burke with the intel that led to the disastrous outcome. Lamm is approached by Martin (Ben Tavassoli), a young journalist who is investigating Burke's role in the failed military operation. Martin is convinced that Burke's actions were illegal and that Lamm has the evidence to prove it.
Lamm initially brushes Martin off, but as she begins to delve deeper into Burke's past, she becomes increasingly troubled by the revelations she uncovers. Lamm discovers that Burke is not the principled leader she once thought she was, and that she is willing to do anything to protect her reputation - even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.
As Lamm begins to weigh the costs of blowing the whistle on Burke, she faces opposition from unexpected sources. Her former colleagues in the government warn her that going public will only result in further damage to the country's national security. Meanwhile, Burke unleashes a barrage of attacks against Lamm's credibility and character, threatening to ruin her life if she goes public.
As the tension builds, the film draws the audience deeper into Lamm's moral dilemma. Should she stay silent and protect her own future, or risk everything to expose Burke's corruption? The film raises provocative questions about the limits of government power and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own interests - even at the expense of others' lives.
What sets An Acceptable Loss apart from other political thrillers is the strong performances by Sumpter, Curtis, and Tavassoli. Sumpter brings a depth of emotion and vulnerability to the role of Lamm, who is torn apart by the choices she once made. Curtis is a formidable presence as Burke, conveying both the charisma and ruthless ambition that has defined her career. Tavassoli is excellent as Martin, a principled journalist who is willing to risk everything to uncover the truth.
Overall, An Acceptable Loss is a thought-provoking film that will resonate with audiences who are interested in the complicated ethical questions that arise in the world of politics. The story is well-paced, with a sharp script and strong direction that keeps the tension high throughout. It's a movie that leaves the audience thinking long after the credits roll.
An Acceptable Loss is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 40.