One could argue that the current state of American politics is unprecedentedly dire. It’s a turbulent era for all parties involved, and it all seems to hinge on the upcoming elections in November. It’s easy to criticize and satirize given current circumstances, but writer/director Adrian Roman brings a more pointed view to the table in The Third Party, one that’s lighter on scrutiny and heavy on perspective-driven filmmaking.
Senator Ted Stewart (Treg Monty) is on the verge of launching his campaign when he comes under fire from an ethics investigation launched by Texas Governor Scott Tabin (Scott James), which seeks to uncover shady dealings and illicit activities. Ted’s entourage of Doc Stamper (Brian T Shirley) and Miriam Collins (Rachel Petsiavas) do their best to stand by their leader, but Tabin’s advisor, Bree Sharper (Katharine Sandvoss), isn’t letting Stewart off the hook. Interviews are set up to further tarnish Ted’s standing in the public eye, and with elections right around the corner, the two candidates find themselves at a major crossroads. Is there any truth to the allegations made against Stewart? When the stakes are so high, who will the people choose to support?
In a way, The Third Party tries to avoid political pitfalls by not taking sides. Much like Alex Garland’s acclaimed A24 feature, Civil War, it invites its audience along and shows a multitude of different POVs. Granted, there are plenty of discussions on both ends, and Governor Tabin’s zealous approach to discrediting Stewart can seem a touch forced. Then again, both sides make mistakes, and Roman isn’t drawing attention to any politician in particular (although no doubt some viewers will love to speculate and make connections), but rather pointing the camera towards the media and their effect on public opinion. This leads to some very tense scenes, with both Tabin and Stewart forced to answer tough questions.
Technically speaking, there are some shortcomings. The production design can feel a little empty at times, and the blocking employed certainly feels more functional than meticolous. Lighting, framing, and quality audio all go a long way toward effectively conveying conflict, and The Third Party can both look and sound rough around the edges. In the end, it’s up to the performances to make the difference, and Treg Monty’s patriotic presence has a considerable impact. And while Sandvoss’ Sharper can be a little too over-the-top, her relationship with Scott James’ Tabin proves to be the winning formula. Tabin is cold, quiet, and measured, a perfect counter to the more outspoken Stewart. Their back and forth may not be face-to-face, but the weight of the competition is more than felt.
An imperfect but entertainingly no-nonsense drama that mimics the complex and murky political scene of the United States, The Third Party boasts a sharp outlook and great performances to match.
