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Reviews
A Case of Blue (2020)
Master-Class Character Development and Atmosphere
I was initially wary of this film when I read the synopsis (not typically my genre) but I found myself utterly immersed after only a few minutes. The characters portrayed are heightened, yes, but in a way that feels both realistic and emotional. The atmosphere and tone are unapologetically strong and add to a wonderful sense of magical realism. Additionally notable are strong acting performances from the two leads.
Recommended as an intelligent, slow-burn drama!
A Call to Spy (2019)
Gripping Historical Drama
To touch on the plot without giving too much away, there's a bit of something for everyone in this film. As expected in any WWII film or spy thriller film, there's action and suspense galore, particularly action from Hall as she evades Nazi forces by any means necessary, and suspense as Khan desperately tries to do her job while being scrutinized by everyone she meets. That being said, it's where the film breaks genre conventions that it really shines. Not only do the leads face adversity in the field, but they also do so from within the system, particularly Atkins, adding an engaging and thought-provoking element of political drama that's not often seen in these types of movies.
The movie hits a nice balance between education and engagement. Sarah Megan Thomas's choice of Oscar-nominated Lydia Dean Pilcher as the director brings experience and unique perspectives in the totality of the viewing experience.
The film is based on the historical accounts of these women and their stories, and is an exciting accomplishment for filmmaking women and a breath of fresh air for a genre heavily dominated by male-focused storylines (and creators). It's not often that a spy thriller is written with one engaging female character with a full and captivating arc, but we're spoiled here with three, each giving their all with impressive acting performances in their own rite. It truly feels like the WWII spy version of Hidden Figures, another fantastic historical drama.
In fact, we get a ton of great acting performances here- not only from the three leads, but particularly from Golden Globe winner Linus Roache, portraying Colonel Maurice Buckmaster as nuanced and complicated as military personnel can come. It would also be a disservice not to mention the way the movie looks. Indie movies are often put down for being not on par with Hollywood's cinematography, set design, and costume design, but A Call to Spy stands tall in all of these regards. All of these are important in a historical drama, typically scaring indie producers away, but the film works their small budget to its advantage and tells an intimate and compelling story from the eyes of our three protagonists.
A Call to Spy isn't just a spy thriller, a WWII biopic, or a character drama- at the center of it all is an underdog story, and it's a worthwhile watch through and through. If you have any interest in history, film, or humanity, you'll find something to enjoy in this movie.