Watch In Dubious Battle

In Dubious Battle is a 2016 drama film based on John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. Directed by James Franco, who also stars in the film, it features an ensemble cast including Nat Wolff, Vincent D'Onofrio, Selena Gomez, Ed Harris, Bryan Cranston, and Josh Hutcherson. Set in California in the 1930s, the film tells the story of a group of fruit pickers who go on strike to protest against their harsh working conditions and low wages. The central character is Jim Nolan (Wolff), a young man who comes to the town to join the Communist Party and to help the workers in their struggle.

Jim meets Mac McLeod (Franco), an experienced union organizer who takes him under his wing and guides him in his political activism. Together, they work to organize the fruit pickers and to mobilize public opinion in their favor. However, they face major obstacles in the form of the growers, who are determined to break the strike and to protect their profits.

As the strike becomes more intense, tensions rise and violence erupts. The film depicts the brutality of the authorities, who use force to suppress the strikers, and the courage of the workers, who stand up for their rights even in the face of persecution.

One of the strengths of In Dubious Battle is its ensemble cast, which features a number of talented actors who give powerful performances. Nat Wolff is particularly impressive as Jim Nolan, bringing a sense of idealism and conviction to the role. James Franco is also convincing as Mac McLeod, conveying both his passion and his pragmatism.

Vincent D'Onofrio is memorable as the ruthless grower Bolton, who will stop at nothing to crush the strike. Selena Gomez has a smaller role as Lisa, a young woman who becomes involved in the strike and develops a romantic relationship with Jim. Despite her limited screen time, she delivers a poignant performance.

The film also benefits from its period setting and its attention to detail. The costumes and sets evoke the Depression-era of the 1930s, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the California landscapes. The film's score, composed by Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O'Halloran, is another highlight, adding to the emotional intensity of the story.

Overall, In Dubious Battle is a thought-provoking and moving film that explores themes of social justice, labor rights, and political activism. It is not a light or easy watch, but it rewards viewers with a complex and nuanced portrayal of a historical struggle that still resonates today. Whether you are a fan of John Steinbeck or simply interested in American history, this film is well worth checking out.

In Dubious Battle is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 43.