At the outset of The Trial of the Chicago 7, characters Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman navigate the tense atmosphere of the courthouse, surrounded by a palpable mix of anger and hostility, representing the cultural divide of the time.

Upon entering, Hoffman inquires about Rubin's well-being, to which Rubin, visibly unsettled, responds that he was fine until he arrived. This stunned expression lingers throughout the film.

As they proceed through the courthouse lobby, they encounter a smaller crowd of media and onlookers. Suddenly, an egg hurtles through the air, and Rubin catches it deftly, prompting Hoffman's surprised reaction. Rubin attributes his reflex to past experience, as they continue through the flashes of cameras and noise, with Rubin awkwardly holding the egg.

Hoffman's jest about Rubin's uncertainty regarding the egg encapsulates the film's central dilemma: a brief moment of tension followed by an uncertain future.

The essence of liberalism, as depicted in the film, is a relentless cycle of hope overshadowed by frustration. The narrative illustrates the liberal struggle to find meaning and victories amid a series of setbacks, often manifesting through personal and collective failures. The narrative arcs are not only about defeats but about fleeting moments of success, like catching the egg.

It’s unclear whether Sorkin intentionally conveys this frustration or if it is simply an inherent part of his storytelling. In The Trial of the Chicago 7, he presents dramatic moments without letting them reach a satisfying conclusion. The egg, for example, vanishes without explanation, hinting that the true barrier to progress is not conservatism but an overwhelming sense of frustration that Sorkin meticulously examines.

The film offers a wealth of exposition, characteristic of Sorkin’s style, efficiently introducing the historical context and characters in just over seven minutes. This sequence showcases the chaotic backdrop of the 1968 Democratic Convention, including significant events and figures that shaped the era.

Within this context, Tom Hayden, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, embodies the tension of the 60s, while Sacha Baron Cohen’s Abbie Hoffman mixes sharp intellect with a sense of sorrow. Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Jerry Rubin reflects a man-child in awe of the world, and Alex Sharp’s Rennie Davis is earnest and straightforward. Veteran actor John Carroll Lynch presents David Dellinger as a serious advocate for non-violence, struggling against chaos. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Bobby Seale, a powerful figure caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

Reflecting on Sorkin's earlier work, A Few Good Men, the narrative is similarly divided between a compelling courtroom drama and a backdrop filled with self-pity and entitlement. In The Trial of the Chicago 7, flashbacks reveal the tumultuous events surrounding the trial, although Sorkin refrains from developing a deeper narrative spine, focusing instead on courtroom tension.

Characters like William Kunstler, played by Mark Rylance, add layers of humor and resignation, while Frank Langella’s portrayal of Judge Julius Hoffman is a standout performance that avoids caricature, delivering a complex representation of a man struggling to maintain authority.

The film's pacing allows for moments of levity amidst the tension, with characters like Richard Schultz and Ramsey Clark contributing to the narrative’s depth, albeit without full resolution. Abdul-Mateen's portrayal of Seale is both powerful and fleeting, emphasizing the elusive nature of justice.

Ultimately, The Trial of the Chicago 7 highlights the enduring nature of frustration within progressive movements. The film serves as a reminder of the constant struggle faced by liberals and progressives throughout history. Sorkin suggests that to engage in this fight, one must accept frustration as a companion, and humor becomes a crucial element in coping with the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, Sorkin's film reminds audiences that while the path of progress is arduous, it is also rich with moments of humor and resilience, providing a much-needed counterbalance to the frustrations depicted throughout history.