Review of Survivor (2015) by Quincytheodore — 03 Jun 2015

The narrative isn't particularly strong as it barely survives with star-studded cast and attractive cityscape. Survivor is a straightforward spy thriller. It creates a timid suspense with typical espionage plot, which can be shaky at times. Story starts rather slow and the way it tries to cover the narrative is bit hectic, especially in midway point. Fortunately, the veteran actors bring appeal to the on-screen characters as they scurry at beautiful locations. Survivor is not flawed to the point of absurdity, though it doesn't really shine in any special way.

Kate (Milla Jovovich) is a newly employed security staff at US embassy in London. Her job is to filter visa applicants for terrorist threat, as she tries to investigate an anomaly on the data, there's an attack on the staff. Desperately trying to uncover the conspiracy and now wrongly accused of the attack, Kate must prevent the attack while surviving being hunted by professional assassin and law officers.

The premise is set up pretty well, although the pace needs a while to get momentum. It also speeds up in the second act hectically, so audience might find the timeline jarring. Nevertheless, as a thriller the movie is presentably gripping, moving the plot with mostly fast pace. The cast gives amicable performances with major names delivering what's expected of them.

Milla Jovovich has lots of experience in tough leading female, she looks capable on revealing the mystery and fending off threats, though there’s not much personality other than aforementioned tough chick. Dylan McDermott as the supervisor has the air of reliable ally, and thankfully without being forced in romantic subplot. To round it up, Pierce Brosnan plays as a professional who works for mysterious party. He expectedly has on-screen presence, but his character is a one-dimensionally bloodthirsty.

Cinematography is solid, capitalizing on prominent view of London. It displays some nice shots of the streets and residential area, even in smaller scale setting the movie has good ambiance. Action and mystery are decent, none stand out too much or has remarkable twists, they simply get the job done. For those who have seen Tom Clancy's movie, this movie should be familiar or a bit lacking, unfortunately.

Survivor isn't demanding nor does it offer anything novel in any way, this isn't Bond or Bourne, which is all right. The premise works in the confined boundary of action thriller, the fine cast and pleasing scenery will entertain to some degree.