Alongside Night

Alongside Night is a provocative dystopian political thriller released in 2014. The film showcases a well-executed plot centered around a dire vision of near-future America. Directed by J. Neil Schulman, the movie features a starring role for Kevin Sorbo, renowned for his performance as Hercules in the 1990s TV series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and a pair of up-and-coming young actors, Christian Kramme and Reid Cox.

The plot of Alongside Night is greatly inspired by socio-economic politics and the principles of Libertarianism. It is set in a United States reeling from severe economic and political crises, where the government is on the brink of collapse. Hyperinflation has ravaged the economy, unemployment is widespread, and civil unrest is growing. The dystopian world Schulman constructs reflects many of the fears prevalent in American society today - financial disaster, eroding civil liberties, and a government increasingly turning to authoritarian measures to maintain control.

The narrative of Alongside Night primarily follows the story of two characters navigating the crumbling U.S. economy. Kevin Sorbo plays Dr. Martin Vreeland, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, whose controversial ideas about monetary reform make him a target of the increasingly oppressive government. Christian Kramme portrays Elliot Vreeland, the son of Dr. Martin Vreeland. As the Vreeland family becomes targeted due to Dr. Vreeland's radical views, Elliot takes on a brave mission to locate his missing family members, unveiling a much larger underground resistance movement in the process.

Reid Cox plays the role of Lorimer, a high-ranking member of this emerging resistance movement, which operates through a highly efficient and secretive organization called the Revolutionary Agorist Cadre. It's a group offering a safe haven for all those who oppose the government's draconic policies and creating a counter-economy that operates outside the government’s control. Lorimer becomes a crucial supporting character for Elliot in his quest to locate his family and understand the depths of the crisis afflicting their society.

The movie draws its title, Alongside Night, from a line in a poem by Friedrich Nietzsche and symbolizes the transitional period preceding a dawn – a new era. It speaks to the heart of the film's premise: the downfall of an outmoded system and the birth of an innovative paradigm.

A vital aspect of Alongside Night is its exploration of the concept of Agorism, a libertarian social philosophy that upholds the idea of a society in which all relations between people are voluntary and rejects the institutionalized aggregation of coercion. This theme of voluntary interaction versus state control runs strongly throughout the movie, highlighting the debates around economic freedom, civil liberties, and individualism.

Alongside Night effectively juxtaposes the American dystopian landscape with the provocative ideas of agorism. As a result, the movie sets the stage for robust debates on political ideals, economic principles, and social constructs, all while providing an exciting narrative of survival, rebellion, and the relentless quest for freedom.

Kevin Sorbo delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Vreeland, transmitting the perfect blend of intellect and tenacity against a socio-political crisis. Christian Kramme, in his role as Elliot, brilliantly combines youthful exuberance with increased maturity as his character navigates a series of complex and challenging situations. Reid Cox's depiction of Lorimer injects a grit and toughness necessary for a leader of a resistance group.

In conclusion, Alongside Night presents an engaging perspective packaged as a thrilling narrative set in a dystopian future. The film is a riveting drama that not only entertains but also poses essential questions about the society we live in. It is a movie that leaves viewers contemplating the delicate balance between order and freedom, challenging them to think critically about the world around them.