David Leitch
Atomica bionda

Not bad this film with Charlize Theron in the role of a spy who certainly doesn't lack guts. A narrative that struggles to take off, but perhaps because of this low-flying approach, it turns out to be more solid than expected. A protagonist brimming with charisma, a series of ruthless villains, intrigues between secret agencies, other very attractive female spies, neon lights, well-selected music, some excellent fight sequences. Quality entertainment, though not without flaws.

Sometimes the director indulges a bit, pleased with his sequences. We must admit, they are indeed captivating: whether it's a lesbian sex scene or a long sequence of beats in a decaying building in East Berlin, Leitch knows what he's doing. However, he should learn to show less self-satisfaction and maybe cut things a bit shorter for the sake of the narrative.

It's quite enigmatic, at the risk of appearing disjointed. But fortunately, it's not, and it even offers some of the most thrilling moments right in the final minutes. And it's this imbalance of specific weight towards the end that makes certain parts feel a bit light, partly due to the director's aesthetic streak, who isn't shy of long close-ups and insistent plays of neon light. In short, the risks suggested by first impressions, of a toy filled with clichés and pre-established formulas, empty.

That's not the case, but for certain stretches, not brief ones, the risk is flirted with. Instead, from a certain point, the film brings out the claws and offers many moments of ruthless violence, not at all toned down. Despite their stereotypes, the main characters don't tire and, in fact, grow with the increasing unanswered questions.

Stylistically, the seven-minute long take in the building in East Berlin overshadows substantially everything else. Unfortunately, it's not a single take, considering the protagonist and her enemies progressively get covered in blood and bruises, but the camera movements remain very skillful and enjoyable. The sapphic touch the story takes at a certain point is also quite appreciable, just like the total boldness of the character played by James McAvoy, who is proving to be particularly suitable for certain borderline roles, as seen in Shyamalan's magnificent Split.

6.5/10