Watch Conventioneers

Conventioneers, a 2005 indie film, explores the thrilling and complex relationship between two people, one from each side of the American political divide, in the lead up to the Republican National Convention in 2004. The movie follows the journey of Ethan, a young Georgetown graduate and former campaign staffer for John Kerry, as he travels to Manhattan for the convention where he encounters a former classmate, Grace, a married, stay-at-home mother and spokesperson for the Republican Party.

The two quickly reconnect and finding themselves with plenty of time and always curious about what the other side is thinking, they decide to spend the day together, touring the city and reflecting on their lives, morals, and beliefs.

As the day progresses, their conversation becomes more intimate and they gradually grow a fondness for one another, exploring a side of life that they never thought existed outside of the confines of their respective political boxes. However, as the sun begins to set Ethan and Grace find themselves caught up in a bloodied protest that quickly turns into police brutality and force the two individuals to confront the harsh realities of their own ideological beliefs.

Conventioneers is a movie that was shot on handheld cameras with minimalistic aesthetics that fit perfectly with the theme and vibe of the film. The director, Mora Stephens, does an excellent job of capturing a 24-hour snapshot of two people that are more than just products of their political affiliations.

The film does an excellent job of protraying the world during the Republican National Convention while highlighting the clash between the two groups of people in America. The gritty camera shots offer an exceptional insight into the chaotic climate of the convention.

The script, written by Stephens and Joel Viertel, does a great job of balancing the dialogue and character development with the political commentary of the time. The characters are well-rounded, with Gray Lively playing Grace with a great sense of assuredness that reflects her character's conservative beliefs while Basil (Ethan) puts in a great performance as a character whose beliefs align with the progressive ideals.

Ultimately, Conventioneers is a captivating, poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of relationships, politics, and identity in modern America. It’s a must-watch for those who are interested in politics or those who seek to evaluate their own beliefs genuinely.