THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
APRIL 18, 2013

Engaging and nicely cast, “The Company You Keep” has at least enough star power to keep the entire film interesting. Robert Redford directs and stars in this politically charged thriller, producing familiar faces around every corner and providing a template to any future inspirations to making an ensemble piece work out perfectly. Shia LaBeouf proves he can hang, yet again, in a dramatic role. His idioms provide plenty of humorous moments, but he nails this performance and makes it his own. Brit Marling also captivates in her small role and rises above her limited exposure to produce one of the film’s highlights.

The Lem Dobbs writing keeps you guessing through most of the film, even though I figured out some of the oncoming twists well before it was acknowledged. Overall, Redford proves successful in his roles in the movie and never shows signs of aging, a curse for many seasoned actors of his generation.