Aaron Sorkin first wrote The Trial of the Chicago 7 back in 2007, but it took a number of years for the project to finally see the light of day. After passing through multiple directors like Steven Spielberg and Paul Greengrass, The Trial of the Chicago 7 gained traction in 2018 when Sorkin signed on as helmsman, recruiting a star-studded ensemble to bring the truth-based story to life. Due to the talent on both sides of the camera, The Trial of the Chicago 7 was already one of 2020's most-anticipated awards contenders, but there's even more interest now because of the story's parallels to modern times. Fortunately, the film lives up to the hype. The Trial of the Chicago 7 makes for an entertaining and compelling courtroom drama, bolstered by Sorkin's script and strong performances.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is primarily set in the aftermath of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, site of riots and protests against America's involvement in the Vietnam War. Seven individuals - Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), John Froines (Danny Flaherty), and Lee Weiner (Noah Robbins) - are charged with conspiracy to cross state lines and incite violence during the convention. With lawyer William Kunstler (Mark Rylance) leading the defense against prosecuting team Thomas Foran (J.C. MacKenzie) and Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), what ensues is a grueling and infamous trial where the Chicago 7 look to stand up for their values in a system working against them.
Unsurprisingly, one of The Trial of the Chicago 7's greatest assets is the screenplay. Sorkin's characteristically lively dialogue flies off the page as actors verbally spar with each other, making it easy for viewers to get drawn into the narrative. A veteran of the courtroom drama genre (most notably with A Few Good Men), Sorkin feels right at home with this politically-charged material, striking the proper balance between pure entertainment and the seriousness of the subject matter. While some members of the titular Chicago 7 have more fleshed out parts than others, Sorkin does a good job to give each actor in the crowded ensemble an opportunity to shine, effectively giving audiences an idea of who each person is as an individual. Each member of the Chicago 7 have their unique traits that make them stand out, making them well-rounded as characters.
Sorkin's terrific script might have been for naught if the cast wasn't up for the challenge, but they are. Due to the ensemble nature of the film, it's difficult to peg one or two actors as the undisputed stars, but Redmayne and Cohen arguably have the meatiest roles among the seven. Their characters represent two contrasting ideologies on the left (the latter is a hippie leader while the former has more "respect" for authority), making for a fascinating dynamic that ultimately has a nice payoff. Strong also makes a memorable impression, essentially serving as the movie's comic relief with his great chemistry with Cohen. Another standout in the cast is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who plays Bobby Seale, an eighth member of the group who was on trial. His subplot definitely has undertones that will ring true to today's audiences, sadly highlighting how little things have changed in the country over the past handful of decades.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is Sorkin's second directorial effort following 2017's Molly's Game, and while his screenwriting is still the bigger attraction, he does a good job behind the camera here. The film doesn't boast a particularly flashy visual style, but that's perhaps for the best, since it allows viewers to focus solely on the characters' plights and their interactions without being distracted. Sorkin's filmmaking never calls attention to itself, and he lets his dialogue and the themes do all the talking. And though the movie was conceived well before America endured a turbulent 2020, it's easy to see Sorkin draw parallels between The Trial of the Chicago 7 and what's happening today. This makes the film more than just an historical drama; it's a timely and important piece. Sorkin is able to avoid getting too preachy in his messaging, but it's clear what he's trying to say.
In a year that's had a dearth of notable new releases, The Trial of the Chicago 7 definitely ranks among one of 2020's best offerings, and it wouldn't be surprising to see it be in contention for multiple accolades. Sorkin once again has delivered a dynamic script, and he's continuing to prove himself as a capable director. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is also a bonafide actor's showcase, and anyone who's a fan of Sorkin's previous work or any of the talent involved will surely find something to enjoy here. Netflix has a number of prestigious titles on their plate this year, and The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of their best.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 starts streaming on Netflix on October 16. It runs 129 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, some violence, bloody images, and drug use.
Let us know what you thought of the film in the comments!
