An Acceptable Loss

An Acceptable Loss

Year: 2019

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Chappelle

Echo Score: 45
DramaThriller

Following a military operation with tragic repercussions, former national security advisor Libby Lamm grapples with her conscience and the weight of her past decisions. Partnering with the mysterious Rachel Burke, she begins to unravel a complex network of lies and cover-ups. As they dig deeper, Libby finds herself facing a critical choice: uphold her loyalty to the government or expose a dangerous truth that could shake the nation to its core.

Tense
Bleak ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Steady pacing
Moderate complexity

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Timeline & Setting – An Acceptable Loss (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of An Acceptable Loss (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in contemporary times, reflecting today's political and social climate regarding national security and the consequences of war. Flashbacks to the White House situation room offer insights into the past decisions that have led to the film's dramatic events. The timeline is crucial as it highlights the ongoing impact of historical military operations on personal lives.

Location

Grant University, Homs, Springfield

The film primarily takes place at Grant University, a prestigious institution, where Libby Lamm faces an icy reception from her peers due to her controversial past. Homs is central to the narrative, representing the site of a devastating military operation that has deep personal ramifications for Libby and her stalker, Martin. Springfield is also significant, as it is home to the Springfield Register, where Libby hopes to publish her memoir.

🏫 University 🇸🇾 City 📰 Newspaper

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

Main Characters – An Acceptable Loss (2019)

Meet the key characters of An Acceptable Loss (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Libby Lamm

Libby Lamm is a complex character grappling with her tumultuous past as a national security adviser. Despite her academic credentials, she faces hostility from her peers, leading to heightened paranoia and isolation. Her evolution throughout the film showcases her resilience as she attempts to navigate a web of personal and political conflict while revealing the truth.

📚 Professor 🔍 Survivor 🎓 Intellectual

Rachel Burke

Rachel Burke is a powerful figure as the U.S. Vice President, embodying the complexities of political leadership. Her history with Libby creates a charged dynamic, shaping the pressures Libby faces. Rachel's attempts to manipulate Libby highlight the ethical dilemmas within the world of politics.

👩‍💼 Politician 🏛️ Authority ⚖️ Manipulative

Martin Salhi

Martin Salhi serves as an unsettling presence in Libby's life, driven by obsessive motivations related to his family's loss in the Homs tragedy. His character blurs the lines between victim and aggressor as he attempts to come to terms with his grief and seeks closure in an unhealthy way.

👨‍🎓 Stalker 😔 Grief-Stricken 🕵️ Obsessive

Adrian

Adrian, the chief of staff to the president, has a complicated relationship with Libby, marked by past professional ties and current political pressures. His character embodies the implications of power and the extent to which individuals will go to protect their interests, posing a significant obstacle for Libby.

💼 Chief of Staff 🎭 Complicated 💣 Tactician

Phillip Lamm

Phillip Lamm, Libby’s father and the editor of the Springfield Register, represents a connection to family and the pursuit of truth in journalism. His influence on Libby adds layers to her motivations and choices as she navigates intricate political landscapes.

📰 Editor 👴 Family 📖 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

Major Themes – An Acceptable Loss (2019)

Explore the central themes of An Acceptable Loss (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📜 Truth & Consequences

The theme of truth and its consequences is explored through Libby's struggle to expose the reality behind the Homs operation. Her memoir serves as a catalyst for conflict, illustrating how the pursuit of truth can endanger lives while also seeking justice for the misunderstood. Libby's determination to reveal the past underscores the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power.

🔒 Paranoia & Isolation

Paranoia permeates Libby's life as she takes drastic measures to protect her privacy, avoiding modern communication to shield herself from potential threats. Her isolation grows as she grapples with the consequences of her past decisions, reflecting widespread fears of surveillance and loss of personal security. The theme suggests an ongoing battle between vulnerability and the need to control one's narrative.

💔 Loss & Grief

Loss resonates deeply within the characters, particularly for Martin, who feels the weight of losing family in the Homs attack. Libby's experiences also bring forth themes of grief as she confronts the human cost of her decisions. The film examines how such loss shapes identities and motivates actions in an uncertain world.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:30

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Political Whistleblower Thrillers like An Acceptable Loss

Insiders risk everything to expose a dangerous government conspiracy.If you were captivated by the tense paranoia of An Acceptable Loss, explore more movies like it. These films feature government insiders grappling with heavy moral dilemmas as they become targets while trying to expose dangerous truths and cover-ups.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow a pattern of a principled insider discovering a grave injustice or conspiracy within their own organization. They face a critical moral choice, leading to a life on the run, constant surveillance, and a grim fight against powerful forces determined to silence them.

Why These Movies?

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Movies about Moral Guilt and Bleak Endings like An Acceptable Loss

Characters consumed by the heavy consequences of their past actions.For viewers who appreciated the heavy emotional weight and bleak conclusion of An Acceptable Loss, this collection highlights similar stories. Discover films where characters grapple with profound guilt over past traumas, leading to tense and often tragic journeys.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character burdened by a secret or a terrible mistake. As their guilt intensifies, it drives the plot forward, often leading them into dangerous situations in a futile or tragic attempt to make amends. The journey is psychologically taxing and typically ends on a somber or devastating note.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core theme of a protagonist wrestling with a heavy moral burden. They are united by a grim, serious tone, a steady pacing that allows for deep psychological exploration, and an emotionally heavy experience that frequently culminates in a bleak resolution.

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An Acceptable Loss Summary

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