Reds

The narrative unfolds during World War I and the years surrounding the Russian Revolution. It follows Bryant and Reed from 1915 Portland to 1918 Petrograd and beyond, touching on political rallies, strikes, and the birth of radical movements.

Portland hosts the initial lecture that sparks Bryant's awakening. Greenwich Village is depicted as a hotbed of activists, writers, and radical circles. Provincetown serves as a writing and theatre retreat, while Croton-on-Hudson becomes the couple's quiet home. The journey traverses Europe and Russia amid the era's upheavals.

❤️ Love

The romance between Bryant and Reed drives much of the plot but is tested by the pull of competing political commitments. Bryant's emergence as a feminist writer grows alongside her relationship with Reed. The film examines how personal happiness clashes with public conviction.

🗺️ Revolution

Reed's immersion in the Reds, the Left Wing, and eventual forays into the Comintern expose the costs of ideological pursuit. The story follows his disillusionment with authoritarian turns in revolutionary ideals. It highlights the tension between revolutionary zeal and individual conscience.

📰 Journalism

Louise's development as a journalist and outspoken feminist frames the narrative beyond romance. Her reporting fuels the couple's public personas and invites scrutiny from political bodies. The film ties words on the page to real-world political change.

🎭 Theatre

Theatrical circles in Greenwich Village and Provincetown provide a stage for ideas and personal entanglements. The art world serves as a training ground for radical discourse and creative collaboration. The interplay between stagecraft and politics underscores the film's cultural context.