Watch The Debt

The Debt, a 2010 suspense thriller, is a gripping film that follows the story of three Mossad agents who are tasked with capturing a notorious Nazi war criminal in East Berlin in 1965. The agents, Rachel Singer (Helen Mirren), Stephan Gold (Tom Wilkinson), and David Peretz (Ciarán Hinds), are hailed as heroes after their successful mission, but their victory is short-lived.

In 1997, Rachel, now retired, is celebrated for her remarkable achievements and the book she has written about the mission. As she prepares to attend a ceremony in Tel Aviv, she learns that her past actions are about to catch up with her. One of her best-kept secrets, which she thought was long buried, resurfaces and threatens to destroy everything she has worked for.

The film takes you back and forth between the present and the past, revealing the events that led to Rachel's predicament. As flashbacks show, the three agents begin their mission with excitement and enthusiasm. They are young, full of ideals, and determined to bring the war criminal, Dieter Vogel (Jesper Christensen), also known as the Surgeon of Birkenau, to justice. The stakes are high, and the pressure is immense, but they are motivated by their sense of duty.

As the mission unfolds, Rachel poses as a patient in Vogel's clinic and gains his trust while Stephan poses as a gynecologist and David as a patient. Their mission, however, takes an unexpected turn when Vogel's true nature is revealed, and the agents find themselves fighting for their lives. The film never shies away from the gruesome and horrifying acts Vogel committed, and the portrayal of the atrocities is chilling.

While the agents escape from East Berlin with Vogel, their battle scars run deep, and their lives are forever changed. The film shows how their actions affect their relationships, and their perception of themselves and their actions.

The Debt is a complex and nuanced film that explores themes of truth, justice, and the consequences of our actions. It questions the validity of heroism and patriotism and asks whether the ends justify the means. It shows how a single moment of weakness can spiral into a web of lies that can destroy everything one has built.

The film is driven by its strong cast, with Helen Mirren leading the pack with her standout performance. She adeptly portrays Rachel's vulnerability, her guilt, and her strength, bringing a depth and complexity to the character. Sam Worthington and Tom Wilkinson deliver equally strong performances, portraying the idealism and the disillusionment of their characters with conviction. The chemistry between the actors is palpable and lends an authenticity to the film.

The cinematography is excellent, with the director using a gritty, realistic style that enhances the film's tension and suspense. The film's pacing is deliberate but never slow, and the use of flashbacks and flash-forwards heightens the sense of unpredictability.

Overall, The Debt is a thought-provoking and engaging film that showcases the best of its cast and crew. It is a reminder that the past is never truly buried, and that the choices we make will always have consequences. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thrillers and is looking for a film that is both emotionally and intellectually compelling.

The Debt is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 65.