The Oath is a 2018 American black comedy film written and directed by Ike Barinholtz, in his directorial debut. In addition to Barinholtz, the film stars Tiffany Haddish, John Cho, Carrie Brownstein, Billy Magnussen, Meredith Hagner, Jon Barinholtz, Nora Dunn and Chris Ellis, and follows a politically divided family at Thanksgiving after the U.S. government asks all citizens to sign a loyalty pledge.
It had its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on September 25, 2018, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 12, 2018, by Roadside Attractions. The film received mixed reviews from critics, although Haddish’s performance was praised.
Plot
In the near future, American citizens are asked, though not required, to sign a legal document swearing allegiance to the United States government by Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Chris and Kai, an interracial couple, live a quiet suburban life with their young daughter, while Chris is deeply disturbed by the oath.
As Black Friday approaches, the young couple hosts their latest Thanksgiving dinner for their extended family. Chris’ mother has made him promise not to discuss politics throughout the holiday; nonetheless, he tries to escape and catch the news whenever possible. Chris’ brother Pat and his girlfriend Abbie, who have opposing political views, bother Chris throughout the entire holiday despite Kai’s attempts to calm him. Chris is also disturbed to learn about the societal breakdown occurring in the nation due to the Oath’s deadline, which all of his family members, including Kai, signed except for him.
On Black Friday, the family is visited by two governmental agents, Mason and Peter, who question Chris about his efforts to resist others in signing the Oath. Chris is defiant in answering the agents questions which angers Mason and the two quarrel. During a skirmish, Peter gets knocked out with a concussion while the family subdue and tie up Mason. For the rest of the evening, Peter, while in consciousness, tries to negotiate with the family for their release, yet Mason continues to antagonize them with various threats. One of those threats includes the notion that the family’s children will be harmed.
At this moment, Chris draws Mason’s own gun upon his head ready to kill him but Clark intervenes, telling the family to turn on the news, which indicates that the President has resigned and the new Acting President has revoked the Oath and its subsequent enforcement. The two agents with their authority taken away are released by Chris and Pat. The film ends with Chris and Kai peacefully eating apple pie.
Cast
Ike Barinholtz as Chris Montana, Kai’s husband
Tiffany Haddish as Kai Albert, Chris’s wife
John Cho as Agent Peter Barber
Carrie Brownstein as Alice, Chris’s sister and Clark’s wife
Billy Magnussen as Agent James Mason
Meredith Hagner as Abbie Button, Pat’s girlfriend
Jon Barinholtz as Pat Kelmeckis, Chris’s brother
Nora Dunn as Eleanor Button, Chris’s mother
Chris Ellis as Hank Creason, Chris’s father
Matt Corboy as Clint Marks
Jay Duplass as Clark Stewart, Alice’s husband
Priah Ferguson as Hardy Fontaine
Henry Kaufman as Asher Wilton
Max Greenfield as Dan Moore
Bruce Boxleitner as Vice President Hogan
Reviews
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