Red Joan

Synopsis

In the historical drama film Red Joan, Judi Dench portrays the character of Joan Stanley, an elderly widow living in suburban London, who is arrested by the British Secret Service for treason during World War II. While interrogated, Joan recounts her involvement as a young physics student at Cambridge University, where she falls for a young communist activist Leo Galich. Her loyalty to her country is tested as Leo convinces her to spy for the Soviet Union. As the web of espionage and deceit unfolds, Red Joan delves into the moral complexities of Joan's actions and the repercussions that haunt her in her later years.

Cast

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  Judi Dench

  Joan Elizabeth Stanley

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  Sophie Cookson

  Young Joan Elizabeth Stanley

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  Tom Hughes

  Leo Galich

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  Tereza Srbova

  Sonya Galich

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  Stephen Campbell Moore

  Max

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  Ben Miles

  Nick

Reviews

Despite its intriguing premise and powerhouse performance by Judi Dench, Red Joan fails to deliver a compelling narrative that fully captivates the audience. Many critics have noted the film's pacing issues and lack of depth in character development, resulting in a somewhat disjointed storytelling experience. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 30% rating, with critics stating that the film falls short of its potential. IMDb scores it at 6.4/10, recognizing Dench's performance as a highlight but criticizing the film's execution. Metacritic rates it at 45/100, pointing out the uneven direction and inconsistent tone. Overall, Red Joan receives mixed reviews, with praise for Dench's performance but criticism for its execution.