Another mediocre spy thriller that does not avoid American clichés (good Americans, bad Russians/Eastern Europeans, etc.) and, as a result, falls into the category of films where "if you've seen one, it's like you've seen them all." However, if we overlook the above, it offers some moments of tension and suspense regarding the plot's development.
The main differentiation of this spy thriller from the multitude of other similar films is the protagonist. Rami Malek is neither a macho guy (e.g., Jason Statham) nor a boomer anti-hero saving the world (Bruce Willis, Liam Neeson, etc.). On the contrary, he seems to have been chosen explicitly to increase the film's appeal to Noodle Boys and those who no longer relate to the macho man stereotype.
Malek is thin, nerdy, awkward, terrible with weapons or violence in general, and extremely introverted. This description fits millions of young people around the world like a glove. And the film's message could not be clearer: it doesn't matter if you are a lonely nerd stuck at your computer all day; under the right circumstances, you too can succeed, as long as you are willing to ignore any notion of collectivity or companionship (colleagues, spouse, best friend, etc.) and only look out for yourself. Deeply American; deeply problematic.
Originally posted on The Film Project