If you learn anything
from Miss Sloane, it would be to know your opponent at all times, trying
to predict as many moves as possible. The preparation of her daily duties was
that of a brand-new clock that’s constantly working and never breaks. The film
asks huge moral questions that will bring up interesting conversations
regarding how much is too much. If not already known, it reveals the sinister-like
behavior some possess just for the sake of winning. It’s sickening, yet at the
same time appealing. There’s twists and turns, and not much to frown upon,
other than the psyche of the titular character. Jessica Chastain once
again provides a stellar performance of a cold calculating machine, as if she
has a personal vendetta against the world and is out for revenge.
It’s quite scary the
more you think about it. Why is she so driven? It’s a character trait that’s
respected, yet also terrifying. What’s great is Miss Sloane never lets life get
her down. Whether it was going through a divorce, loss of a loved one, or
recovering from betrayal, she always bounced back stronger than ever. She’s
someone I would want on my team, but not as a friend. She goes about her day as
if the entire town is against her, but her confidence is never shaken. She
clearly found the key to push on, and is the meat and potatoes of this drama.
The supporting cast is
just as strong with roles played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mark Strong,
and John Lithgow just to list a few. So, when Chastain is going full
fledge terminator mode during a hearing, or towards opposing counsel, she has
competition to throw blows back in forth with through witty dialogue. It’s
insanely difficult to predict the outcome, and sure does make for an
interesting debate during certain scenes. What’s also fascinating is that
everyone around Sloane is intelligent and has a feeling that they may be being
played, but they don’t know where to look for the answers. For one person to
have this type of influence is a true testament of their impact on others.
Within the plot of the
film there’s no mystery to be solved, but an outcome you’re anticipating. It’s unpredictable,
and even if in a similar situation sacrifices I’m not willing to make. Though
some are. There was no limit to her madness to win. All Sloane cared about was
winning. This is good to an extent, but where do you draw the line? There’s
nothing wrong with wanting to win, but the journey to get there is the most
important. This was something Sloane couldn’t adapt to. She had her ties, but
cut them the moment she found them useless. It’s as if she didn’t have any
feelings or remorse for anyone she used or stepped over to succeed.
Peeling all the layers
back, close up Miss Sloane has several great things to love about it.
The characters are strong, the plot is solid, and the pacing is that of an
exciting horse race. You’ll walk away smarter with a better understanding of
what motivates people to keep going, and an alarm for those that will extort.
If it isn’t obvious already, on the outside of it all you’ll realize that
everyone doesn’t value life the same as you do. Miss Sloane certainly doesn’t
in the slightest. While some people would never hurt a fly, she would take a
flamethrower to a swarm laughing while she does it. The crazy thing is she’ll
be honest about it, and warn you she’s on her way.