Not a sequel to Knives Out, thank you God, but a bracing espionage adventure that flies in direct opposition to the strains of comic book calamities and celebrity impersonations currently curdling multiplex arteries. We open in a roomful of heavyweights — Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Pryce, Thandiwe Newton, and Chris Pine — cast as CIA agents looking to at last put an Amen on the events that led to a 2012 hijacking that claimed the lives of all on board. The hijackers who blamed the government were initially ignored, but signs now indicate that it was an inside job, with one of our stars playing the part of a mole. Making things even stickier, Pine and Newton were once an item: she half hoped his call was that of a peacemaker looking to see if their old spark could be rekindled, not to close a decade-old case. But what can be expected of a spy who shows up in wine country looking for a vodka martini, particularly one who fills out the secret agent turtleneck like Pine? Directed by Janus Metz (Armadillo, Borg vs. McEnroe) from a screenplay by the novel’s author Olen Steinhauer, you are encouraged to abandon guessing where it ends (you won’t) and concentrate on the thrilling ride. (2022) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.