by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Will cinema ever win the Cold War? What seems to be one of the most enduring topics of historical films, the Cold War is decades past its relevance but is still able to capture our cinematic imagination. Is it the constant threat of nuclear war? What is more frightening than that? Is it the Russian threat? Are Russians really that scary? Is it the mystery of the espionage that made up most of this “war?” Spies are cool, right? Whether it is Bridges of Spies, Atomic Blonde, or now The Courier, we love us some Cold War thrills.
In a crowded field of Cold War films, does The Courier have a director to helm this film that will make it stand out?
Dominic Cooke may not have a robust filmography but he makes his new film stand out. Not a single moment occurred that would lead you to question the design of this time period. Cooke is able to create an environment that brings a smile to your face when the charm of a salesman is needed. He is able to create poignant tension when the film takes a darker and emotional turn in its third act. You will smile, laugh, frown, and clench throughout this film and Cooke is able to deliver all of those emotions when needed. Is the story always rolling forward? Not quite, but the pace is generally efficient and effective in the way it carries the audience along. There is also a sense of flair (beside lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s charm) with how each shot is framed and how the lighting and audio match the film. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt captures crisp colors, and extremely effective camera movements make this a strong experience.
The real question is, can the writer of The Hitman’s Bodyguard deliver a sharp and engrossing screenplay?
Yes, you read that right. How does Tom O’Connor go from such a silly and dumb film full of humor and action to a moving tale of patriotism and duty? Seems like a tall order but, O’Connor shows that he can deliver. The story is one you have probably seen plenty of times before this, but O’Connor is able to bolster a familiar plot with strong characters. The man called Greville Wynne embodies the English spirit so well. Not quite the stiff upper lip and dangerous pride of a Colonel Nicholson à la The Bridge on the River Kwai, but Wynne certainly captures that English sensibility. He does this for duty to his country and soon builds loyalty for the man he is a courier for. The story balances many perspectives and interested parties between the Russians, British, and Americans. Who will grab the upper hand? The Courier keeps you longing to find out.
But what is the real gem of this Cold War thriller?
This would not be half the quality it is without the incredible performance from the talented cast. Benedict. Cumberbatch. Charming and polite in a magnetic way. Shaken and vulnerable in a nervous and paranoid way. Emotionally channeling while broken and driven. This is all one man and that man is Cumberbatch’s Greville Wynne. Is this one of Cumberbatch’s best performances? I would never argue against that. Jessie Buckley, one of my favorites whose stock rises so quickly, capitalizes on her limited appearances with a strength that is so unexpected from many female characters from this time period. Buckley and Cumberbatch spark so well together, delivering one of my favorite scenes so far this year as she visits him in his tortured prison. Throw in another talented actress, Rachel Brosnahan, who is intense and strong, providing weight and gravity to this situation in her role as a CIA agent. The real hidden treasure of the film is actually Merab Ninidze. Ninidze delivers great chemistry with his film family as well as with Cumberbatch’s Wynne. The whole rest of the film benefits from Ninidze’s presence as he just might be the emotional core.
Are you a fan of a good old fashioned period thriller made with class?
The Courier will certainly be a treat for you. But what if you don’t love period dramas? Well… the cast will certainly catch your fancy. I want to see more of Cumberbatch and Buckley together because they just sparkle together. When The Courier hits theaters, give it a chance.
Grade: B