Despite the Falling Snow *** (2016, Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Charles Dance, Anthony Head) – Movie Review

Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Charles Dance are all first rate in writer-director Shamim Sarif’s smart-looking, involving and intriguing old-style Cold War romantic spy thriller.

The excellent Rebecca Ferguson stars as Fifties Moscow communist spy Katya, who is secretly working with Misha (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) for the Americans in the Cold War arms race. Sam Reid co-stars as rising Russian government star Alexander, a decent, idealistic politician she steals secrets from  – and falls in love with. The movie moves back and forward in time to 30 years later when Alexander (now Charles Dance) finally uncovers the awful truth. 

Ferguson has twin roles, also playing Lauren, Alexander’s artistic niece who defies her uncle and goes to Moscow 30 years later. There she meets a lesbian reporter, Marina (Antje Traue), and sets out to find Misha (now Anthony Head) and reveal the truth of the past.

Despite the Falling Snow has some rough edges and a couple of duff performances and I’d shorten the title to Falling Snow. But, otherwise, everything is good in a generally smooth and engrossing ride.

The film is based on the book Before Snow Falls written by Leyla in I Can’t Think Straight.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Movie Review

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