Traitor in the Spy House

‘All the Old Knives’ is a love story hidden behind a spy one.

*CNS photo/courtesy Amazon Prime Studios*

Are we in the midst of Pineaseance? Chris Pine certainly seems to be attempting to redefine himself as not just an action star. After reaching new heights in his career playing Captain Kirk in ‘Stark Trek’; Pine seems to be attempting to branch out. His latest movie ‘All the Old Knives’, is Based on a book of the same name.

It revolves around two CIA operatives, and former lovers played by Pine and Thandiwe Newton. They reunite at Carmel-by-the-Sea to re-examine a mission in Vienna after 8 years where a fellow agent may have been comprised. At its core, it’s a love story disguised as a spy one with an equal balance of both. Utilizing the hunt for a suspected traitor allows the movie to steadily build tension, which becomes palpable as it progresses. It also allows the movie to move between a spy and love theme.

The ever-looming mystery throughout the movie keeps the audience on their toes. Every twist and turn in this movie adds to the illusion that you have the answer, but it’s not until the 3rd act that things start to become more clear.

Albeit it’s a safe role for Pine, being a spy is in his usual wheelhouse, but the performance deviates from that of a typical spy movie. His and Newton’s execution of their roles only serves to pull the audience deeper into the movie. As a whole, the movie deviates from a typical spy movie. Instead of requiring a host of stunts, it demands the actors translate authentic emotion. If this movie didn’t have strong performances, this would’ve been a different kind of article. Instead, the movie promotes a gut feeling in the audience as all we can do is enjoy the ride.

The oven takes a while to pre-heat on this one but once it’s at temperature the movie has its hook in the audience. As soon as the mystery begins to unravel, it demands that you see it through. ‘All the Old Knives’ is available on Amazon Prime for free right now and I recommend you put this at the top of your list ASAP. “All the Old Knives” landed as an 8.2/10 on my scale, check out the trailer below!

Barry’s Bites Rating = 8.2/10