Closed Circuit

Synopsis

In the gripping political thriller Closed Circuit, directed by John Crowley, Eric Bana stars as Martin Rose, a barrister caught in a high-stakes case involving a terrorist attack in London. After a shocking bombing leaves multiple people dead, the lead prosecutor is mysteriously murdered, and the government enlists Martin to defend the suspect, a man of dubious guilt and unsavory past. As Martin delves deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy, deception, and dangerous secrets. Alongside his ex-lover and fellow lawyer Claudia Simmons, played by Rebecca Hall, he attempts to navigate the treacherous waters of national security and legal ethics. Their pursuit of truth reveals a conspiracy that has far-reaching implications, putting their lives on the line. With a potent blend of suspense and social commentary, 'Closed Circuit' explores themes of justice, privacy, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in power, making for a thought-provoking cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Cast

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  Eric Bana

  Martin Rose

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  Rebecca Hall

  Claudia Simmons-Howe

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  Ciarán Hinds

  Devlin

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  Jim Broadbent

  Attorney General

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  Kenneth Cranham

  Cameron Fischer

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  Isaac Hempstead Wright

  Tom Rose

Reviews

Closed Circuit has received a mixed bag of reviews from critics and audiences alike. With a rating of 6.2 on IMDb and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 43%, opinions on the film are decidedly divided. Critics have highlighted aspects of the film such as its potential for suspense and the performances of Bana and Hall. The Los Angeles Times noted, 'Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall have undeniable chemistry, but the film often slips into blandness rather than urgency or depth.' Meanwhile, Metacritic ranks the film at 50/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. The Guardian expressed disappointment, stating, 'What begins as a thriller soon becomes an exercise in frustration as characters make puzzling decisions and the plot unravels.' Conversely, some critics appreciated the film’s ambition, with The Playlist praising its attempt to tackle weighty themes, saying, 'Closed Circuit is ultimately an intelligent, if flawed, film that tries to juggle courtroom drama with societal issues.' The polarized nature of feedback reflects the film's difficulty in maintaining a consistent tone and pacing, making it a watch that may resonate differently with viewers depending on their tastes.