Heart of Stone movie review (2023)
In the fast-paced world of espionage, Gal Gadot takes the lead as Rachel, heading a team that includes the capable Parker (portrayed by Jamie Dornan). Their mission? To track down a vengeful hacker, played by Alia Bhatt as Keya Dhawan, hailing from Pune. Yet, as the layers of this intricate tale are peeled away, it becomes clear that the truth is a scarce commodity, and deception is at its core.
The film champions the strength of women in combat, proving that victory doesn’t require compromise. The premise, set against the stunning backdrops of London, Iceland, Portugal, and Italy, delves into the enigmatic world of a global spy agency detached from any national or political affiliations. While the concept might resonate as familiar, recent entries like Priyanka Chopra’s Citadel and Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One have also traversed similar territories. But does the film rise above the formulaic content through its performances, narrative, and action? Partially, yet falls short of truly gripping its audience.
The movie launches with an adrenaline-charged chase and a captivating soundtrack, Noga Erez’s ‘Quiet’, effectively setting the tone. Regrettably, this momentum is short-lived, as the storyline soon succumbs to mediocrity. Director Tom Harper grapples with establishing the vital chemistry between the leading trio, which demands a certain level of witty exchanges and emotional intensity. The intended sarcastic one-liners fall flat, failing to ignite the desired humor. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Keya, a 22-year-old newcomer in her Hollywood debut, appears uncertain and apprehensive, evident in her dialogue delivery. Jamie Dornan’s performance radiates disinterest and detachment, a marked contrast from his otherwise engaging persona. Curiously, the ensemble cast, except for Gal Gadot, comes across as merely collecting a paycheck rather than investing themselves in their roles.
Gal Gadot, the powerhouse known for her iconic Wonder Woman character, shoulders the responsibility of carrying this female-led spy thriller. Her athletic prowess and commanding presence inject vigor into her character, Rachel. She possesses the tenacity and ethics worthy of a partnership with Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, yet even her formidable performance cannot elevate a lackluster plot.
In a year replete with captivating action thrillers, ‘Heart of Stone’ regrettably falls short. Although it boasts fleeting moments of brilliance, particularly in its action sequences filmed in Lisbon and Iceland, the film fails to invoke the expected thrill, excitement, or emotional engagement with either the characters or their intricate backstories. The pacing feels stagnant, and the unfolding events become a monotonous journey rather than a gripping one.
It’s undeniable that Netflix has been fervently exploring the globe-trotting action-spy genre, an approach evident in films like Ghosted, The Gray Man, Red Notice, and Extraction. While these movies follow a predictable pattern in terms of plot and casting, the inclusion of Hollywood A-listers alongside a diverse range of actors, including notable Indian talents, appears as a calculated attempt to appeal to the massive Indian viewership. However, the ensemble casting often feels tokenistic, lacking genuine depth. In the realm of this genre, with the exception of Priyanka Chopra’s more fully realized character in Citadel, this trend has yet to truly serve Indian actors on a broader scale, limiting their potential.While ‘Heart of Stone’ may not scale the heights of Mission Impossible’s IMF, Gal Gadot admirers might find it worthy of a viewing. Alia Bhatt and Jamie Dornan enthusiasts, however, should perhaps await more substantial offerings.
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