Watch The Operative

The Operative is a 2019 spy thriller film directed by Israeli filmmaker Yuval Adler. Based on the 2006 novel The English Teacher by former Israeli intelligence officer Yiftach Reicher Atir, the movie stars Diane Kruger, Martin Freeman, and Cas Anvar. The story follows Rachel (Kruger), a former Mossad agent who is now working as a freelancer. She receives a call from her former handler, Thomas (Freeman), who asks her to carry out a dangerous mission in Tehran. Rachel has to retrieve some sensitive information from a businessman named Farhad (Anvar) who is suspected of being involved in the Iranian nuclear program. Rachel travels to Tehran and poses as a German businesswoman to get close to Farhad.

The movie is divided into two parts. The first part takes place in Tehran and shows Rachel's attempt to gain Farhad's trust. She attends meetings, dinners, and social events where she tries to get close to him. She speaks fluent German and Farsi, which helps her blend in with the local crowd. She is also skilled in martial arts and gun handling, which she uses when she is in danger.

The second part of the film takes place in Hamburg, Germany, where Rachel is debriefed by Thomas about the mission. He needs the information that she has retrieved from Farhad to prevent a potential nuclear threat. However, Rachel is not willing to cooperate with Mossad and Victor (an intelligence officer played by Martin Swabey) who is sent to interrogate her. She gives Thomas a fake memory stick and refuses to reveal her sources in Tehran.

What follows is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between Rachel and Mossad. She is constantly monitored and followed by Mossad agents, who try to track down her sources in Tehran. Rachel has to outsmart them and hide her true intentions. She also has to confront her past and her relationship with Thomas, who betrayed her in the past.

The Operative is a well-made spy thriller that keeps the audience engaged till the end. The director, Yuval Adler, has created a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that makes the audience feel like they are part of the action. The cinematography by Kolja Brandt is excellent, especially in the Tehran sequences where he captures the beauty and chaos of the city.

Diane Kruger delivers a strong performance as Rachel. She portrays a complex and flawed character with conviction. Rachel is not a typical spy who can kill without remorse. She is vulnerable and emotional, which makes her more relatable. Martin Freeman is also excellent as Thomas, the conflicted handler who has a complicated relationship with Rachel. Freeman brings depth and nuance to his character, making him more than just a stereotypical spy boss.

Cas Anvar is good as Farhad, the businessman who becomes involved with Rachel. He brings charm and humor to the role, which makes him likeable despite his shady dealings.

The Operative is not a typical Hollywood spy movie where the hero saves the day and gets the girl. It is a realistic and gritty portrayal of the spy world, where loyalties are constantly shifting, and trust is hard to come by. The movie raises important questions about the moral and ethical implications of spy work and whether the end justifies the means.

In conclusion, The Operative is a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers. The movie has a strong cast, excellent direction, and a gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Operative is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 47.