A tense and intriguing period drama.

Rating: 8/10 (5 January 2015)

Based on the code-cracking exploits of genius Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) during WWII, this time-hopping period drama is calculating, meticulous and slow burning, resulting in an emotionally and narratively tense ride. Graham Moore's script is a delicate blend of thrills and kitchen-sink drama, delving into Turing's struggle with his unparalleled brilliance and social awkwardness, all while trying to decipher Germany's Enigma encryption. But Moore stumbles in the final 10 minutes with a strange coda that seems to focus on Turing's homosexuality, rather than the world-changing impact he seemingly had with his mechanical creations. Calling the shots on his debut English-language film, Norwegian director Morten Tyldum (Headhunters) generates a hard-to-place peculiarity with his shooting style, which emphasises the claustrophobia that was Turing's life. He is also assisted by Oscar Faura's superbly saturated cinematography and Maria Djurkovic's outstanding production design, however Alexandre Desplat's dull score is a notable weakness that adds very little. Led by another strong performance from Cumberbatch – who I'm certain will win an Oscar or two throughout his career, but not for this – the acting is first rate across the board; Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode and Mark Strong all bringing their A games. It has already received multiple Golden Globes noms (with Oscar recognition sure to follow) and unsurprisingly so. This is the sort of carefully executed motion picture about a complex real-life figure that is adored by critics and audiences alike.