Arlington Road

Released in the late 1990s, "Arlington Road" taps into the growing anxieties about domestic terrorism and the potential for extremist ideologies to take root within American society. The film pre-dates 9/11 but eerily foreshadows the vulnerability of the nation to internal threats, reflecting the post-Cold War uncertainty about potential enemies.

• The performances are excellent, particularly Jeff Bridges as the increasingly paranoid Michael Faraday and Tim Robbins as his seemingly perfect neighbor, Oliver Lang.
• The suspense is expertly crafted, building gradually and creating a sense of unease and paranoia that keeps you guessing until the very end.
• The film explores relevant themes of trust, paranoia, and the potential for evil to hide in plain sight, especially within seemingly ordinary communities.
• The twist ending is shocking and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression and prompting reflection on the nature of terrorism and societal vulnerabilities.

Fun Facts

• The street name, "Arlington Road", is a deliberate reference to Arlington National Cemetery, hinting at the themes of loss and sacrifice central to the plot.
• Director Mark Pellington's own father was a former director of the CIA, which may have informed the film's depiction of government agencies and the dangers of unchecked power.