Watch The Activist

The Activist is a 2014 independent film directed by Cyril Morin and starring Chadwick Brown, Tonantzin Carmelo, and Michael Spears. The film takes place in a small, impoverished Native American reservation in South Dakota and follows the story of Eddie, a young activist who comes to the reservation to save it from a proposed oil drilling project.

Eddie, played by Chadwick Brown, is a charismatic and passionate environmentalist who believes that the drilling project will destroy the reservation and its natural resources. He teams up with local activist Sondra, played by Tonantzin Carmelo, and her father Charlie, played by Michael Spears, to rally the community and fight against the oil company. Eddie's activism quickly gains traction, and he becomes somewhat of a local hero, inspiring people to come together and stand up for their rights.

However, not everyone is on board with Eddie's plan. The reservation's corrupt tribal council, led by Chairman Red Crow, is in league with the oil company and will do anything to see the project go through. Eddie's uncompromising stance puts him in direct conflict with the council, and he becomes the target of their violent reprisals. As tensions rise and the situation becomes more dangerous, Eddie must decide how far he is willing to go to save the reservation and whether his actions are truly worth the risk.

The Activist is a heartfelt and engaging drama that explores themes of environmentalism, social justice, and the power of collective action. The film is shot on location in South Dakota and features stunning landscapes and an authentic depiction of life on the reservation. The performances are strong across the board, with Brown, Carmelo, and Spears all delivering compelling and nuanced portrayals of complex characters.

One of the film's strengths is its refusal to shy away from difficult issues. The Activist tackles head-on the challenges facing Native American communities, from poverty and addiction to political corruption and environmental degradation. Through Eddie's character, the film makes a strong case for the importance of activism and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds. At the same time, it never falls into simplistic or romanticized portrayals of Native Americans, presenting a more nuanced and realistic picture of life on the reservation.

Overall, The Activist is a powerful and thought-provoking film that tackles important issues with sensitivity and nuance. It is an excellent example of independent filmmaking and showcases the talent of its director and cast. While the subject matter may be heavy at times, the film's message of hope and resilience shines through, making it a must-see for anyone interested in social justice and environmental issues.

The Activist is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.