Brief

A writer from the city gets a new start as an FBI informant investigating a militia movement in rural Oregon, but to finish the job he'll have to betray his estranged friend who shares a grim secret from their past.

What We Liked

- The script is very well-written - well paced, and the dialogue is natural;
- The shady town, with its corrupt leaders and violent militia groups, is a draw.
- Timely subject;
- Big secrets/lies, murder;
- Intense, compelling characters;
- Life or death scenarios.

Synopsis

GREG SIMMONS is an unlikely informant, but FBI field agent RICH TORRES needs him. Out in rural Oregon, a militia called the Double Cross is growing into a hostile threat, and Greg's estranged friend DONNY WILKIE has become the movement's secret leader-benefactor. A cynical career criminal, Donny had faked his death and thrives in the small town of Pineburg as prosperous rancher Charles Adler. As Greg goes undercover in Pineburg, he's shocked to find Donny alive — Torres had tricked Greg into going undercover by letting Greg believe Donny was still dead.

Donny's alter ego Adler seems the struggling town's only hope, though, and Greg wants to think Donny could be a changed man. Since their teens Greg and Donny have kept a grim secret — Donny, at Greg's urging, had killed a security guard. Greg always regretted that Donny's life of crime was his creation. Donny hasn't changed. He mistrusts and resents Greg even as he considers turning himself in, and his meth addiction isn't helping. Meanwhile, the Double Cross' antisocial wannabe leader, WAYNE CARVER, suspects Greg's undercover or worse and threatens to make him pay for any deceit. Soon Greg has to protect Donny's teenage son GUNNAR, too. And when Greg discovers Donny is the true ringleader of the Double Cross, he's got no choice but to betray Donny to Torres.

As Torres closes in, Donny thinks he's fooled Wayne and the militia into running a harmless prank attack that really only serves to throw off Torres — and Wayne — just enough so Donny can escape. But it's all out of control. Wayne ambushes Donny — and Greg — just as Donny flees. Wayne's bent on killing Greg and Donny. Gunnar steps in and kills Wayne. Now Donny and Greg's worst nightmare has unfolded — violence has returned yet again to send their lives spiraling. Donny makes Greg promise he'll swear Donny himself did the deed. Greg has to oblige, but he also hopes to fix it. He shakes off Torres and tracks Donny back to a Portland hideout after being tipped off by LEEANN HOLT, Donny's ex who regrets giving up Gunnar's custody years ago.

Greg vows to help Donny find a way free. He will even betray Torres. The problem is, Donny has learned cynicism and self-destruction all too well. He refuses to believe Greg and won't flee. As Greg pleads with Donny, Leeann panics and tips off Torres. Torres and FBI agents surround the hideout, but Donny never gives up. As he flees down a worn-out fire escape, it plummets down with him inside, and Donny dies there — even in death, he's trapped. Greg takes in Gunnar and helps Leeann build a new life. Yet a new threat emerges at the end. Militant Cascadian revolutionaries contact Greg, seeking his help. They see him as their true leader.

About The Author

Steve Anderson is a historical fiction author writing novels to introduce little-known aspects of historical events, mixing in overlooked crimes, true accounts, and neglected underdogs. The Other Oregon, the screenplay, is based on his novel of the same name.