Based on a true story, this television movie makes a lot of promises to the viewer, with its stellar cast, layers of intrigue, and a tremendous build-up to the finale. But there is little payoff.
Ellen Burstyn (Barbara Jackson) bears most of the emotional burden for this film, and she delivers a wallop of a performance. Much of the tension created can be attributed to her delivery of a demanding role. Emotionally, she is the hair trigger that threatens to explode, gaining intensity as the story progresses.
The narrative is about friendship versus duty. Set during the Cold War, British authorities suspect that a mysterious stranger may be an agent for another country. They impose on some average folks, invoking rules about silence and compliance that put great stress on everyone.
While watching, I was weighing various resolutions that might play out, most more dramatic than the actual ending of the film, which was only a letdown because my expectations had been raised so highly by the quality of the acting and the story.
Ellen Burstyn (Barbara Jackson) bears most of the emotional burden for this film, and she delivers a wallop of a performance. Much of the tension created can be attributed to her delivery of a demanding role. Emotionally, she is the hair trigger that threatens to explode, gaining intensity as the story progresses.
The narrative is about friendship versus duty. Set during the Cold War, British authorities suspect that a mysterious stranger may be an agent for another country. They impose on some average folks, invoking rules about silence and compliance that put great stress on everyone.
While watching, I was weighing various resolutions that might play out, most more dramatic than the actual ending of the film, which was only a letdown because my expectations had been raised so highly by the quality of the acting and the story.