Miss Sloane

Miss Sloane follows Madeline Elizabeth Sloane, a preeminent and ruthless lobbyist who takes on one of the hottest political battles of the era. In Washington's maze of committees, donors, and televised sound bites, she marshals every resource to tilt the outcome on gun policy. The drama comes not from explosions but from a painstaking array of arguments, calculations, and moral calculations, as she persuades allies, exposes weaknesses in opponents, and uses timing as a weapon. The film pulls you into late night strategy sessions, closed doors, and high stakes hearings where every move has consequences. It's a portrait of power, ambition, and the price of winning favors in a system built on influence.

Released in 2016 and directed by John Madden, the film stems from an original screenplay by Jonathan Perera, presenting a tightly controlled political thriller about influence, strategy, and ambition in modern lobbying, with a stark look at how reform agendas are shaped behind closed doors.

Box office: The movie earned about 9.1 million worldwide on a 13 million budget, reflecting a modest commercial performance. Its financial numbers place it as a niche thriller rather than a blockbuster hit.

Cultural impact: The film feeds into conversations about money and influence in politics and prompts viewers to consider how lobbying shapes public policy. Jessica Chastain embodies a calm, exacting leader in a male-dominated space.

Reception and themes: Critics praised the film for its precise plotting and Chastain's resolute performance, while some felt it stays at the level of technique rather than offering a breakthrough. At its core the movie probes ambition, ethics, and the cost of influence, asking how far one should go when reforming laws affects real people. Audiences note the film's emphasis on procedure and the way scenes are staged to mirror the tactic heavy reality of modern politics.