Synopsis:
THE COURIER is a true-life spy thriller, the story of an unassuming British businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) recruited into one of the greatest international conflicts in history. At the behest of the UK’s MI-6 and a CIA operative (Rachel Brosnahan), he forms a covert, dangerous partnership with Soviet officer Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze) in an effort to provide crucial intelligence needed to prevent a nuclear confrontation and defuse the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Could you risk everything? Could you withhold information from your family that would make ensure them that you’re not abandoning them? Could you put your life on the line for something you didn’t signup for, knowing that no one may ever know what you had to sacrifice? Heroic stories are amazing because most of us wouldn’t run toward the danger. We all have an innate urge to survive and preserve ourselves but there are those who choose to fight that urge. Those individuals are oftentimes afraid as well, but they choose to put others and the greater good above themselves. It’s truly terrible that these situations exist. But as long as we have heroic individuals to thwart them, those people should be known and celebrated.
The Courier is a truly exhilarating, high-stakes spy-thriller that is based on true-life. Not only did this actually take place, but it seems to be a lesser-known story that is actually of high importance. It’s not often that we get our flowers while we are but with the nature of the mission, I fully understand why it was kept under wraps. This relatively fast-paced film is anchored by gripping storytelling but propped up by fantastic performances. The film separates itself from other history-driven narratives. By only giving us the important facts that pertain to the storyline instead of a deep dive into the entirety of the era, we are able to be fully entrenched in what is going on. The world is on the brink of a nuclear disaster, and the only way to get intel is by having a subpar salesman with a gift of gab partner with a Soviet officer that is bravely betraying his country, that’s a must-see. There’s enough plenty of history to satisfy the buffs and plenty of thrills to excite everyone. This is a hero story with unbreakable bonds, nefarious characters, and trust that must endure all. The symphonic score coupled with the covert tone and cold aesthetic help turn this historic moment into a film to remember. I enjoyed The Courier way more than I expected to. Its rewatchability is high.
Plot & Pace
When Soviet officer, Oleg Penkovsky witnesses nuclear war talk and documentation that is alarming to him and could put the world in jeopardy, he decides he has to take a huge risk. He finds a way to secretly get a message to the American government, which would get him killed if caught. After receiving the note, Emily Donovan, a CIA operative travels to the UK to seek assistance from MI-6 in order to validate and stop the threat. Contemplating the difficulty of getting into the Soviet Union, MI-6 decides that it might be best to use a civilian. Contacting salesman, Greville Wynne, MI-6’s Dickie Franks along with Donovan convince him to be the middleman for them, a courier. All he has to do is transport intel from the Soviet Union back to the UK, however, it’s not as easy as it sounds. If he should be caught, it could result in torture and death. It is up to Oleg and Greville to move secretly and help prevent nuclear war.
The film moves at a brisk pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Characters & Chemistry
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a tremendous performance as Greville Wynne. From the decent salesman to the confident courier, then later to the unbreakable spirit. His portrayal and the true story itself show us that we are all capable of great things. His scenes in the third act that required weight loss showcase some of the film’s best acting. His chemistry and friendship he develops with Oleg (Merab Ninidze) make for an exhilarating time. Rachel Brosnahan also continues to a terrific job in everything she’s apart of. As Emily Donovan, she adds heart to an otherwise heartless government.
The Courier releases in theaters on March 19th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Dominic Cooke
Writers: Tom O’Connor
Producers: Adam Ackland, Ben Browning, Ben Pugh, Rory Aitken
Executive Producers: Glen Basner, Leah Clarke, Alison Cohen, Dominic Cooke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ashley Fox, Tom O’Connor, Milan Popelka, Josh Varney
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h 51m
Rating: 4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
