Parents' Guide to The Operative

Movie NR 2019 116 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

Danny Brogan By Danny Brogan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Tense spy thriller has sexual and graphic violence.

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

In THE OPERATIVE, Rachel (Diane Kruger), an agent for the Israeli national intelligence force, goes missing. The only clue to her whereabouts is a mysterious call she makes to her handler, Thomas (Martin Freeman). Having been undercover as a part of an operation to infiltrate Iran's nuclear program, Thomas must determine what threat Rachel now poses, and to who.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

Although it lacks the fast-paced action of The Bourne movies, The Operative proves just as tense and is perhaps a more realistic portrayal of the life of a spy. Kruger does a fine job as Rachel -- a character whose true nature we are kept guessing throughout. Whose side is she on? Are her feelings for Farhad (Cas Anvar) genuine? It's also refreshing to have a woman playing a role that is so often played by a man. Anvar deserves praise too, seamlessly navigating Farhad's journey from villain to pawn. Freeman's Thomas is primarily the narrator of the piece, retelling events to his increasingly suspicious Mossad colleagues. His strait-laced performance feeling in sink with the mood of the movie.

On a negative note, Rachel's sexual assault feels unnecessary -- a misguided attempt to increase the tension perhaps -- particularly as there are no repercussions, with the assailant, quite literally, just walking away. The movie's conclusion is also likely to divide audiences. But if you're looking for an espionage movie that's more slow-burning than explosive, then The Operative is worth spying.

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