Brisk political thriller has two ex-lovers (Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall) trying to defend an alleged terrorist (Denis Moschitto), and getting caught up in a deep state conspiracy that threatens their lives. When this came out, it was dismissed as average intrigue that had been done before, and better. When viewed after almost a decade, the idea of a deep state tracking your every move and eliminating threats to its existence for the good of the many isn't so far-fetched. The film is directed and performed well, the screenplay doesn't go overboard with superhero action pieces, building a tense paranoia organically, and the two leads make their situation compelling and watchable. A few pacing issues keep this from being THE political thriller of the new millennium, but it is a strong contender.
Stats:
(2013) 96 min. (8/10)
-Directed by John Crowley
-Screenplay by Steven Knight
-Cast: Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Denis Moschitto, Jim Broadbent, Ciaran Hinds, Julia Stiles, Riz Ahmed, Anne-Marie Duff, Kenneth Cranham, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Jemma Powell, Doug Allen, Barbora Bobulova, Kate Lock, Katherine Press
(R)- Physical violence, profanity, adult situations, drug references, alcohol and tobacco use
