The Independent (2022)
Story overview
A political thriller set during a pivotal presidential election, following an idealistic young journalist and her legendary mentor as they investigate a conspiracy that could determine the outcome of the election and the country's future. The film explores themes of political intrigue, journalistic integrity, and the high-stakes nature of democratic processes.
Parent Guide
A tense political thriller with mature themes best suited for older teenagers who can process complex political narratives and handle suspenseful situations.
Content breakdown
Contains scenes of political violence including confrontations, threats, and some physical altercations. Characters are in perilous situations as they investigate the conspiracy. No graphic or prolonged violence, but tension and implied threats are present throughout.
The film creates a pervasive sense of political paranoia and institutional distrust. Scenes of characters being followed, threatened, or in danger may be unsettling. The high-stakes election context and conspiracy elements create sustained tension.
Contains strong language including multiple uses of f-words, s-words, and other profanity typical of R-rated thrillers. Language is used in tense situations and emotional moments.
Minimal sexual content. May include brief romantic moments or suggestive dialogue, but no explicit scenes or nudity. Focus is primarily on political and journalistic themes.
Social drinking in political and professional settings. Characters may be shown with alcoholic beverages at events or in tense situations. No glorification of substance use.
High emotional stakes throughout as characters race against time to uncover the truth. Themes of political betrayal, journalistic pressure, and national consequences create sustained intensity. The fate-of-the-nation narrative adds significant emotional weight.
Parent tips
This R-rated political thriller contains intense scenes of political tension, some violence, and strong language. Best suited for mature teenagers who can handle complex political themes and suspenseful storytelling. The film's focus on election manipulation and conspiracy may require context about U.S. politics for full understanding.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
—
—
- What do journalists do? Why is telling the truth important?
- What is an election? Why do people vote?
- What does 'conspiracy' mean in this movie?
- How does this film portray the relationship between media and politics?
- What real-world political situations might this film be commenting on?
- How do the filmmakers create suspense around the election outcome?
- What ethical dilemmas do the journalists face?
- How accurate do you think this portrayal of political journalism is?
🎭 Story Kernel
The Independent explores the tension between journalistic integrity and political expediency through the lens of a reporter uncovering a presidential candidate's corruption. What drives protagonist Nick Booker isn't just truth-seeking, but the professional desperation of a journalist whose career relevance depends on this explosive story. The film's real conflict isn't between good and evil, but between different versions of compromise—the candidate's moral compromises versus the reporter's ethical ones. When Booker ultimately publishes the story despite personal consequences, the film questions whether any journalism can be truly 'independent' when careers, relationships, and political outcomes hang in the balance.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
Director Amy Rice employs a muted, desaturated color palette that mirrors the film's cynical political landscape. Handheld camerawork during investigation scenes creates documentary-like urgency, while static shots in political offices emphasize institutional stagnation. The visual contrast between cramped newsrooms and spacious political headquarters subtly comments on power disparities. Notice how warm tones appear only in flashbacks to Booker's idealistic early career, visually tracking his moral corrosion. The climactic press conference uses tight close-ups on faces rather than the speaker, focusing on reactions to truth rather than the truth-teller.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The Independent filmed actual scenes at The Washington Post's newsroom during off-hours, with real journalists occasionally appearing as extras. Jodie Turner-Smith prepared for her reporter role by shadowing political correspondents for two weeks. The screenplay was originally set during a midterm election but was rewritten for a presidential race after the 2020 election. Several scenes were improvised based on the actors' experiences with media professionals, particularly the newsroom arguments about editorial decisions.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Peacock Premium
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
- Plex
Trailer
Trailer playback is unavailable in your region.
