Wow, surprisingly good

Rating: 8/10 (27 December 2018)

So first we have Nicholas Cage, who hasn't shown much judiciousness in picking scripts and overacts regularly. Then we have Niccol, who's got an essay writer's penchant for making workable film premises a real chore. Somehow, both of them dialed back their tendencies, and nailed it.
Let's start with Cage. I kept expecting him to break out into some over-the-top emoting, or overplay cool (so that it was uncool), but if you are looking for evidence that the man can act, this is exhibit A. As Orlov (guess that's a nod to Nosferatu), he makes an utterly believable sophist who can compartmentalise good and evil. Everything with him is a little caricaturish, but the character he conveys has enough cracks in the facade to make it relatable.
Then there's Niccol. I was surprised to see his name on it. If you've ever watched Gattaca or the Truman show, his movies have h"igh ground" content but ate often stilted and poorly delivered coming over as set pieces. This one though, has enough grit and grime, and enough dimension to lift it out of film school.
Many will react to the social message of the film and I guess that was the point, but looking at it as a film, it is good.
It compares with War Dogs (2016) and War Dogs is much better made but this film does a lot more.
Go watch it. Remind yourself that Nic Cage can act.