An enthralling experience

Rating: 9/10 (2 January 2015)

There are not enough words in my mind to sufficiently praise the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch in this film. He moves from unlikeable to endearing without even a hint of effort, he delivers the film's razor sharp dialogue with such deadpan that half the audience burst out laughing every few minutes. He is compelling, convincing and so genuine that Turing's fate becomes even more terrible to imagine. He will be and should be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
If it is indeed possible to move away from Cumberbatch's performance and observe the rest of the film, there is still plenty to rave about. The film's screenplay is one of the best assets in its favour - filled with witty dialogue and plenty of enthralling scenes. The job interview between Charles Dance and Benedict Cumberbatch sets the tone for the rest of the film and is just one of many magnificent scenes. Alexander Lawther puts in a magnificently convincing performance as Turing as a child, Charles Dance is perfectly cast and endlessly entertaining, and Keira Knightley manages to hold her own in her scenes with Cumberbatch. Director Morten Tyldum has done a magnificent job creating the most emotional scenes in the film.
The only tiny flaw in the film is that very little is done to depict Turing's sexuality. It feels very much like Tyldum is playing it safe by not showing any scenes in which his sexuality is demonstrated. However, this is only a minor flaw because Cumberbatch's heartbreaking performance removes any doubt that he is genuinely gay.
The most heartbreaking true story I've seen since Milk , The Imitation Game is biopic cinema at its best.