All the Old Knives (2022)
Directed by Janus Metz, All the Old Knives is a sleek and gripping spy thriller that masterfully blends themes of love, betrayal, and the shadowy nature of memory. Adapted from Olen Steinhauer’s acclaimed novel, the film takes viewers deep into the morally complex world of espionage, where loyalty is fragile, and the line between ally and adversary is often blurred.
Starring:
Chris Pine as Henry Pelham, a seasoned CIA operative haunted by a failed mission.
Thandiwe Newton as Celia Harrison, a former agent and Henry’s ex-lover, whose secrets may hold the key to the past.
Laurence Fishburne as Vick Wallinger, Henry’s superior, pushing for answers as tensions rise.
Set against a backdrop of atmospheric locations and sharp dialogue, the story unfolds with a sophisticated elegance, drawing audiences into a tale of intrigue and emotional depth.
The plot revolves around Henry Pelham and Celia Harrison, former CIA agents whose passionate romance collided with a disastrous mission in Vienna. A terrorist hijacking led to the deaths of hundreds, leaving both their professional and personal lives in ruins.
Now, five years later, Henry is tasked with reopening the case after fresh intelligence suggests the presence of a mole within the agency. His investigation leads him to Celia, who has since stepped away from the high-stakes world of espionage. What begins as a routine interrogation quickly spirals into an intense, emotionally charged confrontation as old wounds and lingering questions about trust, betrayal, and loyalty resurface.
With its layered performances, atmospheric tension, and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of espionage, All the Old Knives is a riveting journey that lingers long after the final twist.
How far would you go to uncover the truth when the past refuses to let go?
