REVIEW | The Numbers Station (2013)

Just as how the CIA operates—silent, clandestine, and precise—it's how this off-the-radar CIA movie delivers its story.

A numbers station is a CIA facility that broadcasts numerical codes to field agents/covert assassins. Our hero is Emerson (John Cusack), a conscience-riddled field agent demoted to babysit Katherine (Malin Akerman), a civilian numbers-station broadcaster in England. Then one workday, the highly secluded facility is compromised, putting the pair—and the Company—in danger. Will Emerson follow protocol? Or turn against the Company that changed his life?

Malin Akerman

The British-American action-thriller is the opposite of summer blockbuster action movies making loud noises at the cinemas. The action in this movie is contained in one location, devoid of special effects and traditional mainstream-action cliche. But because of a competent screenplay, a fitting film score, along with an elegant and tasteful cinematography, the movie cackles with tension, and you'll find yourself tensed most of the time. And, as expected, the versatile John Cusack delivers an impressive depth to his role—and Akerman complements him.

The Numbers Station is not your regular Hollywood fare where stuff always blow up in your face—but its eloquent, low-key style delivers a gripping suspense. If you're a CIA-movie fan looking to get your regular covert/secret service fix, then this deserves a recommendation. Widescreen or home-viewing, doesn't matter. But f you're only into commercial action, then this may not be for you.

3.5 out of 5 stars
Showing exclusively in SM Cinemas beginning July 10, 2013.

This review is cross-published in InterAksyon.com.