The Oath

I wasn't expecting a great deal from this, but was pleasantly surprised. I liked the cast, and in truth this lured me in more than the storyline. I was genuinely entertained, and for a political comedy it did well. We reflected on the similarity to Brexit, and let's be honest, we need a film that adds humour to the political divide. I felt it could have been more couple-led rather than the main male lead, as actually Christina Milan could have been so much more than a supporting role - more akin to date night / game night / lovebirds in terms of equal leading roles. Overall, enjoyable and not at all predictable.

This is a well made dark comedy in the vein of Heathers, Citizen Ruth, Grosse Point Plank. There is a propaganda machine that is at work to defame all film that comment on the ludicrous state of current affairs. Very meta. Google it. That- is meta AF. Watch this film. Get more than two sources for your info. Think. Grow. Consider conflicting views. And lastly, enjoy. It's a very funny and well acted film. (Commence the click-bankers downvoting this review as confirmation)

So here's an honest review ,, no politics , just the movie ,, which what the users need to read ,, if you wanna read politics go to the pages of FOX or CNN and fight there ..

The movie plot is genuine ,,, extreme and bold yet enjoyable .. for the thrill and drama the genre was satisfying ,, as for the comedy ,, it wasn't as i hoped for , but there were actually few funny enjoyable moments, but not laughable .. The screenplay is by Ike Barinholtz which is also the director and the lead ,, and i like the guy ,, he was hilarious in The Mindy Project, presenting that innocent spontaneous comedy , which sadly was lacking in here ,, but i think he's all grown up now "as an entertainer" so . the movie showed a bit of that intense on-edge comedy, but still wasn't "hilarious".

Anyway , as for the cast ,, beside Ike ,, i like Tiffany Haddish ,, this year is her year with 4 blockbuster movies and a series with Tracy Morgan ,, so she's doing good ,, the whole cast were good overall... John Cho was also funny is his few lines :D

Final thought,, These 1 star reviewers saying this is an anti trump propaganda ,, and trump wasn't even once mentioned, in fact they said in the end "the president house in North Carolina", so How did these reviewers know its about trump !! or is it because they believe that the only one would do such thing is trump ?! I don't know ;) This is a movie about a family thanksgiving mess... full-stop.

I thought this was pretty funny. It sorta slides in well with all the political turmoil that is currently taking place. Family gatherings are always a great place to find some dark humor. It's just those moments were you realise that you both love and yet can't believe you have a relationship with people that have such opposing ideas.

I would think that if you are sensitive to political views you may not want to watch this. It may just fire you up. If you don't let that stuff get to you and think it is about time to laugh at all the craziness going on all around us, pick it up.

Some films are not easily classified: Ike Barinholtz's The Oath is just such a puzzle. The prospect of seeing a comedic take on Thanksgiving with current liberal and conservative divisions in many families was tantalizing.

However, The Oath turns into a black comedy at best and bloody Straw Dogs home invasion at worst. Chris (Ike Barinholtz), a liberal, tries to understand why anyone would sign a government loyalty oath (Think Trump's National Loyalty Day, May 1) today in democratic USA. His brother, Pat (Jon Barinholtz) and most of his family, has signed, leading to Chris trying to avoid confrontations with little luck.

With two Citizens Protection Unit operatives arriving unannounced, the contentious Thanksgiving dinner turns into a bloody confrontation between these enforcers of the oath and the growingly isolated, liberal Chris.

For sure there are laughs at the extreme ends of the political spectrum, both sides evidencing ignorance and moved more by the movements themselves rather than deep-seated beliefs. Yet both sides are capable of cruelty and violence, and even Chris and his loving wife, Kai (Tiffany Haddish) are capable of turning on each other.

The animosities are made real by today's polarized politics, so that the absurdist humor can resonate in all its hyperbole. Although the ending should satisfy both sides, and for sure the liberals, nonetheless all sides should be able to fear the extremes to which the citizenry can go and embrace a humanism that doesn't force anyone to turn on family.

After all, it is Thanksgiving, and I feel confident your family will be kind and loving. It's the others you have to worry about.

This dark drama has touches of humor, but also, it's Straw Dogs for political extremists. The Oath is a surprisingly acidic commentary on our partisan culture today.