Writer Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things, Redemption) has turned out another tense thriller that is all the more poignant because of the state of affairs with all countries win their subterfuge of crossing lines with the various branches of 'justice' and investigation now made more visible post Edward Snowden's lifting of the veil of secrecy that has for so long confused the public as to how the governments actually function in the struggle with terrorism. This one of course focuses on Britain's multi-phased departments both in criminal work and judicial response. If for no other reason this film is worth watching to see just how occult those sorts of dealings are an how in essence our individual privacy is a dinosaur. A high-profile terrorism case involving an alleged Turkish terrorist Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto) who sets off a major bomb in central London, killing scores of people unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers Martin (Eric Bana) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) on divisive sides of the defense team - testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy. The cast of characters on both sides of the Turkish terrorist plot are polished and conniving and include Ciarán Hinds, Jim Broadbent, Anne-Marie Duff, Julia Stiles (the sole American in the mêlée), Riz Ahmed, Kenneth Cranham, to name a few excellent performances. The use of multiple screens throughout the film not only enhances the plot but also laces a magnifying glass on the techniques of the security measures that affect us all. This is a fast moving, tense, credible movie that carries far more importance than the story it tells. Well worth watching, especially in view of the increasing exposure of understanding terrorism thanks to the presence of television series such as Homeland, Person of Interest, Strike Back et al.

Grady Harp

After a terrorist bombing in London, Simon (James Lowe) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) are appointed special defense attorneys for the accused (Denis Moschitto). After Simon has an untimely suicide Martin (Eric Bana) takes over his spot. His presence there is a violation of the rules as he and Claudia were once an item. As they investigate the case, they discover it wasn't a simple terrorist bombing. There are things which don't add up. They soon realize their lives are in danger.

This is a slightly twisty drama with a touch of court room drama and a little action tossed in. The film keeps you mentally engaged for the most part, but then dies at the end without a real climax. No Jack Nicholson saying, "You can't handle the truth," just an old distinguished man having breakfast calmly explaining the ways of the world.

Parental Guide: F-bombs. No sex or nudity. Did Rebecca Hall put on weight?

With movies that have that strong sense of surveillance you do ask yourself if and how it would be even possible to fight against those odds. That's movie magic for you, that it leaves a chance. Is that the case here too? You'll have to watch it to see. But it's not the best movie that with a theme like that. There have been way better movies, but Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall do their best in this and hold it to a good standard overall.

Story moves along the lines you'd expect it to. Not too many "mistakes" or really crazy decisions by our characters, that might leave you bedazzled. The twist is pretty neat too. It's a tough topic, but obviously this pleads for a more open look behind the scenes of government and other official institutions. Will that happen? Is it interesting enough for a movie?