Written by: James D. Solomon; James D. Solomon, Gregory Bernstein (story)
Most Americans know, at least vaguely, the story of the assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Fewer are familiar with the trial of the conspirators who help hatch the plot.
Frederick Aiken (McAvoy) has been tapped to defend Mary Surratt (Wright), who has been accused of harboring the conspirators in her boarding house. But Aiken quickly finds out that, in the case of a military tribunal, justice may not be easy. He is further upset when he finds out the entire trial itself may be an attempt to draw out a Surratt's son from hiding, even if it means that she might be executed.
From the standpoint of story, "The Conspirator" weaves an interesting and emotionally charged tale. There are some interesting questions of ethnics and justice raised, mixed between plot twists (including a big one right near the end). The actors are solid, even if it felt that they were limited by the script and story itself.
The biggest issue with "The Conspirator" is that it fails to do anything new or novel. It tells its story in a generally straight and traditional way. It makes its point clearly, but does not present any new or challenging ways of thinking about the issues.
For better or for worse, "The Conspirator" felt like what it was: a historical drama. It's good, but could have done much more.
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