With the release of so many films being pushed back and changed, COVID-19 has impacted the film industry in a seismic manner but we've got high hopes for The Trial of the Chicago 7 when it lands on Netflix.
However, as we saw with the recent Emmy Awards, the show goes on and despite the fragmented nature of film releases, the Oscars will almost certainly take place next year.
On this note, Netflix's new feature The Trial Of The Chicago 7, seems like it's certainly going to be in the mix in a variety of categories.
To begin with, the film is written and directed by Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin. As many of you will know, he's the man who wrote The West Wing, The Social Network, Moneyball, A Few Good Men, Steve Jobs, Molly's Game, and The American President.
Simply put, he's one of the best screenwriters in Hollywood and Sorkin has consistently shown a skill for writing dialogue that's unrivalled.
Elsewhere, you've got the supreme acting talent that are involved with this one which includes the likes of; Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jeremy Strong, Alex Sharp, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Frank Langella, Michael Keaton, and more.
Finally, the plot seems incredibly topical as stated by the official synopsis: "What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest—including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden and Bobby Seale—were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot and the trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history."
Critics have been given an early chance to watch Sorkin's latest film and they've been extremely impressed by what they've seen.
At present, the drama holds a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 75% on the more reliable Metacritic.
In terms of reviews, the feedback has been glowing;
Chicago Sun-Times - "Certain events are rearranged from the factual timelines, and yes, The Trial of the Chicago 7 exercises poetic license. This is not a documentary; it’s a dramatization of events that resonates with great power while containing essential truths, and it’s one of the best movies of the year."
Variety - "Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7 is the rare drama about the 1960s that’s powerful and authentic and moving enough to feel as if it were taking place today."
Empire - "A fiery condemnation of the police state and government overreach, this is both timely and timeless. Sorkin and a superb cast make legal proceedings compelling, and then show that the law is an ass."
The Hollywood Reporter - "Sorkin has made a movie that's gripping, illuminating and trenchant, as erudite as his best work and always grounded first and foremost in story and character."
Take a look at what's in store when The Trial of the Chicago 7 is released on Netflix on October 16.
Clip via Netflix
