The Courier (2020)

Macnab praises the film as a subtle, insightful espionage thriller, despite some contrived storytelling. He singles out Cumberbatch’s performance for balancing Wynne’s venality with his idealism.

Hewitt finds the film entertaining and more enthralling than expected, though its final stretch neglects Penkovsky’s story. He praises the performances and especially the warmth of Cumberbatch and Ninidze’s portrayal of an unlikely friendship.

D’Angelo finds the film too dull and cliché-prone to make its spy story exciting, though it rallies in its final stretch. He praises Dominic Cooke’s visual flair and singles out Benedict Cumberbatch’s haunted performance in the prison scenes.

Ebiri finds the film a serviceable espionage drama that becomes sublime when its two leads share the screen. He especially praises Merab Ninidze’s expressive performance and ability to convey emotion through a glance.

Walsh finds the film perfunctory at first but ultimately dark, complex and moving. She praises the human connection between Wynne and Penkovsky, especially as embodied by Merab Ninidze.

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Ehrlich finds the film brisk and entertaining but ultimately short of the gravitas its story demands. He praises the easy friendship between Cumberbatch’s Wynne and Ninidze’s Penkovsky, while faulting the film’s limited suspense and emotional range.

O'Sullivan finds the film less subtle and cohesive than Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, but says its best moments are haunting. She praises Cumberbatch's performance, especially his portrayal of Greville's panic in solitary confinement.

Simmonds finds the true story fascinatingly told but the film underwhelming overall. She praises its stylish presentation and the remarkable real-life espionage at its centre.

Lee finds the film sturdy and satisfying, though its familiar storytelling and underdeveloped central friendship limit its impact. He especially praises Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance, which grows more harrowing in the final act.

The review calls it a brisk, old-school spy thriller, though lighter than le Carré. It singles out the suspense as clammy-palmed.

Debruge finds the espionage drama intermittently interesting but ultimately less exciting than its story might be. He praises the lead performances and the emotionally powerful final stretch, while faulting the film’s dullness and thinly populated scenes.

Lane finds the film cramped and less emotionally stirring than it should be, though he sees it as enjoyable for Cumberbatch’s fans. He particularly praises Cumberbatch’s portrayal of a decent, frightened man who discovers unexpected fortitude.

Watson finds the film bland and clichéd, with little tension or nuance. He praises the parallel between Wynne’s friendship with Penkovsky and the strain on his marriage, though he says the film handles both ineffectively.

The critic finds the Cold War drama engaging, with elegant direction and a story that balances suspense with emotional consequences. The relationships—especially the mutual respect between Cumberbatch and Ninidze’s characters—are singled out for praise.