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The Operative
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tense spy thriller has sexual and graphic violence.

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The Operative
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Based on 1 parent review
Propaganda film
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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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Operative. What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the sexual assault in the movie. How did it make you feel? Did you feel it was necessary to the story?
Do you think it's necessary to spy on other countries? Why/why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 2, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: January 13, 2020
- Cast: Diane Kruger , Martin Freeman , Cas Anvar
- Director: Yuval Adler
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors
- Studio: Vertical Entertainment
- Genre: Thriller
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 116 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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