Overview

• Rami Malek stars as Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer turned avenger after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack.
• The film, based on Robert Littell's 1981 novel, updates Cold War-era espionage themes for a post-9/11 context with a focus on digital tactics.
• Critics praise Malek's unconventional performance and the film's stylish direction but note a lack of emotional resonance and a muddled conclusion.
• Laurence Fishburne's improvised slapping scene during a pivotal training moment adds raw intensity and highlights the protagonist's unsuitability for combat.
• Audience reactions lean more positive, with an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting with a mixed critical reception at 66%.