Inheritance (2025)

Inheritance (2025). 1h 41m | R

“Greetings again from the darkness. With so many MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE movies (another one coming this year) and others of its ilk, movies labeled as u0026#39;thrillersu0026#39; or u0026#39;spy thrillersu0026#39; seemed to have evolved into hyper-action events requiring the leads to display near-superhuman strength, speed, or smarts. Itu0026#39;s exactly because of this that I found a soft spot for the latest from writer-director Neil Burger (THE MARSH KINGu0026#39;S DAUGHTER, 2023; DIVERGENT, 2014; THE ILLUSIONIST, 2006; THE UPSIDE, 2017) and co-writer Olen Steinhauer.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis one certainly qualifies as a thriller, and itu0026#39;s also a bit of a father-(grown) daughter international road drama, as well as a (better-late-than-never) coming-of-age story. In what is no longer a gimmick, it was filmed entirely on an iPhone by cinematographer Jackson Hunt (known mostly for his music videos). This approach requires numerous close-ups and provides a certain limitation to the scope of some shots. Youu0026#39;ll notice the difference and hopefully agree that it adds intimacy and urgency where needed, without sacrificing any elements required for storytelling or performance.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAn early scene finds two sisters chatting about the flow for their motheru0026#39;s wake that is about to begin. Jess (Kersti Bryan, HUSTLERS, 2019) is the take-charge sister, while Maya (Phoebe Dynevor, FAIR PLAY, 2023, u0026quot;Bridgertonu0026quot;) is the quiet one who has spent the past year as caregiver for mom. A surprise attendee is Sam (Rhys Ifans, with an American accent), the estranged father of Jess and Maya. They barely know u0026quot;Dadu0026quot; as he has spent years conducting international u0026#39;businessu0026#39; and almost never communicating with his daughters. It seems obvious he carries secrets, but he wants to make amends and makes Maya an offer she canu0026#39;t refuse (although when long-lost Dad offers you a grand per day to travel to Egypt to sell real estate, one should probably decline, or at least ask a few questions).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s pretty clear that money is not the driving force behind Maya taking the job. No, she really wants to get to know her father and connect in the father-daughter way which has been missing most of her life. Her hope is what makes what happens so entertaining. Another tip for viewers: if your secretive dad leaves the restaurant in Egypt to take a call, and a minute later texts you to get out of there pronto, take your sisteru0026#39;s advice and hop the next plane back to the states. But if you decide to stay so that you can fulfill kidnapped Dadu0026#39;s wish for you to ignore the danger and go pick up a secret package so he wonu0026#39;t be killed … well, apologies to all, but you kinda deserve whatever you get.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eActually, this is quite an entertaining film, and itu0026#39;s a welcome relief to see Maya as an ordinary young woman negotiating her way through situations she doesnu0026#39;t fully grasp … and doing so without any superhero powers (although her sunglasses are pretty cool). There is one extended chase scene through the streets of Delhi that adds some excitement and action, but Maya isnu0026#39;t even driving the motorcycle, so again, grounded action prevails. Phoebe Dynevor has a similar acting style to Dakota Johnson, but comes across as more normal and accessible. She performs well in the role, and we continue to pull for her Maya despite some poor decisions. Oh, and have no fear, Maya gets a clear answer on her future relationship with dear old dad – all while proving she may be the smart sister after all.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn theaters on January 24, 2025.”