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This generation is a little too young to remember the cold war. This reviewer wasn't even born when the Cuban missile crisis occurred. So to see a film centered on espionage had me intrigued. This tale takes place in England, but the Americans are in the mix. MI6 yes, the same one from the James Bond movies along with the CIA get word that there is a Soviet mole. Dickie Franks (Angus Wright) and Emily Donovan (Rachel Brosnahan) come up with a scheme to abstract the mole.

In walks Greyville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch), a Veteran that now is a salesman living a tranquil middle-class life. He's non-threatening hence the perfect candidate. Greyville also is ambitious.

They recruit him to go to Russia and make contact. Will he do it? Is it going to work? These are all questions that are answered in a two-hour course.

This is based on a true story; however, writer Tom O'Connor took some creative license with Emily's character. She's based on a combination of female agents.

I enjoyed this film. I like Brosnahan as Emily. We are so used to seeing her being funny that we forget that she is a competent, dramatic actress. Jessie Buckley, as Sheila is also excellent, however, the two performances that draw you in are Cumberbatch and Ninidze. Cumberbatch is just outstanding. He matures from a man focused on social climbing to a man willing to sacrifice his life. There is a scene in the film where he realizes his room is was searched. There is no dialogue. No one for him to shares his fear with, but we all feel the angst because of his body language. At that moment, he understood the gravity of the situation.

Merab Ninidze is an actor born into Soviet-controlled Georgia. He understood the restrains Oleg Penkovsky had. His performance is stellar. His character required to wear a mask at all times. Even when he was with Wynne after all, the outcome is death. The development of friendship between the two leads was never part of the plan in Ironbark: however, at the heart of this film, it's about people. Two very brave men willing to risk everything for humanity. Not a Brit vs. Russian but two fathers that were forced into this tale spin while men with egos used harsh weapons as pawns. It's also about survival and faith. Faith that good will prevail and trust in your family. This film at times is not easy to watch, but that's a good thing. In today's political climate of nationalism politics, one has to hope that there are brave Oleg and Greyville among these agencies to keep the madness from spinning out. Look for Ironbark to be in award contention. The performances are that good.

Diversity: This film is based on a real event; however, I liked that they created the character of Emily Donovan. She wasn't just the girl but a real character with context, courage, and conviction.

Scale: I give this film an 8 for the performances.