Affairs Of State

Affairs of State, directed by Erik Van Looy, features a compelling political drama with brutal power games, fueled with love and betrayal. Released in 2018, the movie showcases a star-studded cast of David Corenswet, Thora Birch, and Adrian Grenier, alongside others like Mimi Rogers and David James Elliott. With an intense political setting, Affairs of State plunges audiences into the life of Michael Lawson (David Corenswet), an intelligent, ambitious, and resourceful young man who isn't afraid to bend the rules to scale the political ladder.

The movie, set in Washington D.C., revolves around Corenswet's character, Michael Lawson - a young man who came into the city with aspirations of making a difference in the political landscape. However, young and untamed, he quickly realizes that perhaps the real power lies not with an upright moral compass but with the art of manipulation, seduction, and ultimate control. Michael apprentices in the campaign office of Senator Baines (David James Elliott), where he indulges in illicit affairs with the Senator's wife, Judith Baines (Mimi Rogers), and the senator's daughter (Thora Birch), showing the extremes he is willing to go to get ahead.

David Corenswet, known for his roles in series like "House of Cards" and "The Politician," delivers an astonishing performance as a man who is willing to trade in his values to ascend to the upper echelons of political power. A central theme in Affairs of State is the examination of the intricate machinations of political lust, both in power regimes and personal relationships. Corenswet's ability to capture these complexities creates a captivating portrayal of a man playing on the churning seesaws of politics, power, love, and betrayal.

On the other side of the equation, Thora Birch plays an integral part in the narrative as the Senator's daughter. She projects an image of a woman caught between the morality of her love affairs and the games her lover plays behind the political smokescreen. Birch delivers a striking performance, balancing the innocence and grit of her character, often lending a human touch to the convoluted political scenarios. Adrian Grenier, known for his role in "Entourage," takes on a brave new challenge playing a trusted aide and advisor to Senator Baines, adding another layer of conflict and complexity to the narrative.

Affairs of State also seeks to probe the darker underbelly of politics, where nothing is as it appears to be, and every relationship, a tool for political expediency. The narrative transitions seamlessly between political strategy and personal allure, bringing viewers to the hearing rooms' high tension to the privacy of the intimate bedrooms. It is realistic in its portrayal of backroom politics, often showing politicians as mere pawns in a game that's played away from the limelight. These aspects, combined with Corenswet's charismatic performance, create a grim, heavy atmosphere that stimulates curiosity while eliciting a sense of unease.

Director Erik Van Looy uses this canvas to explore human ambition's depths. The scenes are brought to life by a minimalist, yet highly effective cinematography, which visually echoes the storyline's thematic dark tones. The pacing of the narrative is measured, with a gradual buildup that keeps the audience engaged till the end. The film is exemplary in its use of subtle elements; the background score is particularly effective at amplifying the narrative's emotional impacts.

In conclusion, Affairs of State is a gripping political thriller that delves into the insidious nature of power politics. It examines the human cost of ambition and depicts the murky world of political maneuvering in a thought-provoking manner. The movie echoes the timeless idea that thirst for power, left unchecked, can bring about one’s downfall. With an excellent ensemble cast that brings substance to their respective roles, bringing complex characters and intense scenarios to life, Affairs of State serves as a compelling watch for those interested in political dramas.