Watch Red Joan

Red Joan is a 2018 movie that is based on a true story. The movie is directed by Trevor Nunn and stars Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, and Stephen Campbell Moore in the lead roles. The movie is set in the backdrop of the Second World War and it revolves around the life of Joan Stanley (played by Judi Dench). Joan is a retired British physicist who has been leading a quiet life in a suburban neighborhood. However, her past comes back to haunt her when she is arrested by the British Secret Services for being a spy for the Soviet Union.

The movie is a slow-burning espionage thriller that takes the viewer through a series of flashbacks that explain Joan's life and her motivations for betraying her country. It is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that raises questions about loyalty, ideology, and the role of science and technology in modern warfare.

The story of Red Joan revolves around the life of Joan Stanley, a young physics student who witnesses the horrors of the Second World War and becomes disillusioned with the notion of nation-states and their loyalty. Her journey takes her to Cambridge University, where she meets Leo (played by Tom Hughes), a magnetic communist who introduces her to a world of radical ideas, free love, and the power of science to change the world. Gradually, Joan is drawn into a web of secrets and lies that lead her to betray her country by passing classified information to the Soviet Union. As events unfold, Joan is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the morality of her choices.

Judi Dench gives a powerful performance as Joan Stanley, who is torn between her duty to her country and her beliefs. She portrays the character with a quiet dignity that is both heartbreaking and realistic. Her performance is complemented by Sophie Cookson, who plays the role of young Joan Stanley with equal conviction. The chemistry between the two actresses is palpable and adds depth to the movie.

The movie is a well-crafted thriller that keeps the viewer engaged till the very end. The direction by Trevor Nunn is confident, and he manages to portray the different time periods with ease. The cinematography is exquisite, and the movie's visual palette perfectly captures the mood and tone of the era. The production design is impeccable, and the attention to detail is impressive. The movie manages to transport the viewer to a different time and place and serves as a window into the past.

The themes touched upon in Red Joan are relevant to the present day. The morality of Joan's actions is questioned, and the viewer is left to ponder over the role of science and technology in warfare. The movie explores the idea of loyalty and the notion of the nation-state in a globalized world. The movie also raises questions about the consequences of radical ideas and the price one has to pay for their beliefs. The viewer is left to introspect and come to their conclusions about these issues.

The music score by George Fenton is moving and complements the movie's tone perfectly. The movie's soundtrack is a mix of classical music and original compositions that capture the various moods and emotions of the characters. The sound design is also excellent, and it adds to the immersive experience of the movie.

In conclusion, Red Joan is a must-watch for fans of espionage thrillers and historical dramas. The movie is well-crafted, and the performances by the lead actors are excellent. The movie's themes are relevant to the present day, and it raises questions about loyalty, ideology, and the morality of one's actions. The movie serves as a window into the past and explores the consequences of radical ideas and the power of science and technology to change the world.

Red Joan is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 45.