A Call to Spy

Name: A Call to Spy
Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller, Crime, War
Released: October 2, 2020
Duration: 123 min
Rating: 65
Cast: Andrew Richardson, Joe Doyle, Laila Robins, Linus Roache, Marc Rissmann

2020

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Ratings

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6.8

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6.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Ratings

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A Call To Spy

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Movie Details & Credits

IFC Films | Release Date: October 2, 2020 | PG-13

Starring: Andrew Richardson, Joe Doyle, Laila Robins, Linus Roache, Marc Rissmann, Mathilde Ollivier, Radhika Apte, Rob Heaps, Rossif Sutherland, Samuel Roukin, Sarah Megan Thomas, Stana Katic

Summary: As Great Britain’s forces were stretched thin during World War II, Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) began to enlist women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. Spymistress Vera Atkins, later the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise, was the chiefAs Great Britain’s forces were stretched thin during World War II, Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) began to enlist women as spies. Their daunting mission: conduct sabotage and build a resistance. Spymistress Vera Atkins, later the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise, was the chief recruiter for this secret army. Atkins selected two unusual candidates: Virginia Hall, an American journalist from Baltimore hampered by a wooden leg, and Noor Inayat Khan, a wireless officer of Indian descent and an avowed pacifist. Together, they worked to undermine the Nazi regime in France. The courage, sacrifices and grit of these three women helped quell the Nazi occupation – and ultimately turned the tide of the war.… Expand

Director: Lydia Dean Pilcher

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Thriller, Crime, War

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 123 min

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Critic Reviews

RogerEbert.com Sheila O'Malley

Oct 2, 2020

An engrossing and often thrilling spy drama, and a tribute to this courageous and diverse group of women. Read full review

IndieWire Kate Erbland

Oct 1, 2020

True stories about brave, everyday people fighting evil powers never go out of fashion, and “A Call to Spy” joins their ranks with ease. Read full review

Andy Howell

Oct 1, 2020

An important, compelling story that had to be told. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

Aug 16, 2022

Although the film hews closely to the historical record, the pace is so sedate one wonders if a brisker production could have carried the story on to the war’s end, as Hall’s exploits were ongoing. Read full review

The Guardian Andrew Pulver

Oct 29, 2020

Thomas and Pilcher are determined to avoid making a flashy war epic, and stress the sacrifices of everyone involved; the downside of this is that A Call to Spy has a stolid pacing that makes you feel every minute of its two-hours-plus running time. But it’s still an interesting story that’s yet to fully come into the light. Read full review

Michael Ordoña

Oct 1, 2020

It’s refreshing to come at the spy genre from a different angle and rewarding to be introduced to these extraordinary women. Just don’t expect a pulse-pounder or even a particularly atmospheric, experiential film. Read full review

Dan Rubins

Sep 29, 2020

Because its focus is so split, the film lacks the pervasive sense of danger one expects from a spy thriller. Read full review

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User Reviews

NikolayShkurov1

Jan 10, 2022

Стана Катич очень хорошо сыграла роль Веры Аткинс, за что ей высшая оценка.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

KenR

Sep 9, 2021

This deserving movie brings to life a time and story that is convincing and always thoughtful. Writer, producer, star, Sarah Meagan Thomas (Backwards ’12) proves her worth as a seriously talented creative force and is to be applauded for this heartfelt effort. Without sensationalizing sheThis deserving movie brings to life a time and story that is convincing and always thoughtful. Writer, producer, star, Sarah Meagan Thomas (Backwards ’12) proves her worth as a seriously talented creative force and is to be applauded for this heartfelt effort. Without sensationalizing she tells of the harrowing fact-based trials and brave achievements, of these praiseworthy women - who risked it all for their country and ideals within the WW11 Special Operations Executive (also exposes some unforgivable collaborators whose vile betrayals should not be forgotten) It's good-looking, well-produced, acted, and directed by prolific producer Lydia Dean Pilcher - with sterling contributions from all involved. Those interested in the history of these troubled times should not be disappointed.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

DogeGamer2015

Aug 24, 2021

Es una película decente que pudo haber sido mucho mejor; las actuaciones son buenas y la trama es interesante; la historia de las mujeres espías merece más reconocimiento.