A true story involving the beginning of the cold war between Russia and the United States, the film The Courier puts you right in the center of an espionage thriller. It was a time in history when then President John F. Kennedy had to make a critical decision about the danger approaching the border of America.
By 1960, the nuclear arms race has intensified. The United States and Soviet Union now possesses weapons capable of wiping out humanity. As Nikita Khrushchev and America traded threats, many feared that the world was on the verge of imminent destruction. “The time of the imperialists will soon come to an end. They speak as if they want to frighten us, but they only scare themselves. They know that our nuclear arsenal is only getting stronger every day. And I have already said and will say it again, We will bury them!” Nikita Khrushchev.
Flash forward four months and at MI6 headquarters in London, England, Emily Donavan (Rachel Brosnahan) has arrived to chat with the head of staff. She suggests that with the temperature rising in Russia that they get someone who could get close to a GRU Colonel as a mole. It should be someone with a business sense that the KGB would not suspect that travels to Russia. They choose Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch), who represents top manufacturers that sell the best products on the market.
With British Salesman Wynne in place, the film treats you to some very compelling spying as he takes dangerous chances to save the world. Director Dominic Cooke wastes no time introducing his main characters, showing Wynne’s home life, his first meeting with Russian connection Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze), and a cunning story filled with suspense.
The role of Greville Wynne is one of Benedict Cumberbatch’s best performances as he develops a believable character that the audience should accept. At first in doubt about taking on the risky assignment, after gaining confidence he makes an “all in” decision to make the mission work, Cumberbatch builds the suspense. He’s had several roles that have made him a star in this crowded business of acting, but if they keep handing him parts like this, I can’t wait until his next performance.
The Currier has been rated PG-13 for violence, partial nudity, brief strong language, and smoking throughout. It opens on March 19, 2021 in theatres. Check your local listings for a theater new you. If you are into spy thrillers this true story should fill the bill. My rating is 5 out of 5 Stars for us historical fans.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley
Directed by: Dominic Cooke
Genre: Historical Spy Thriller
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, partial nudity, brief strong language, and smoking throughout
Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
Opening Date: March 19, 2021
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released in: In theaters only
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
