Barrett Brief Belated Movie Review – The Outfit Is Almost Too Smart For It’s Own Good

Barrett Brief Belated Movie Review – 

Summary: An expert cutter must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.

Genre:  Crime, Drama, Mystery 

In the early part of any year, movies are released that are either A) guaranteed flops (I.E. Moonfall) or films that will have a tough time reaching a wide audience. This seems to be the case with this week’s belated movie review, The Outfit, a movie released in February of 2022.  By all accounts, this movie should be much more well know, a very solid cast, excellent direction and cinematography and good plot. The problem that I have in watching The Outfit is that, despite having all of these things, the film almost runs into the problem of being too smart for its audience. Now I am not saying a film needs to be dumbed down, but I have to say that the film seems to not be confident in the story it is telling. Instead relying on twist upon twist upon twist. In the end, The Outfit, despite all it has going for it, almost loses itself in an attempt to impress you. 

All The Right Pieces Are In Place

The movie centers on Leonard (Mark Rylance), a cutter who has taken up residence in the city of Chicago. He is brilliant in his craft, having apprenticed in London for an extended length of time. He keeps to himself while the mob, run by Roy (Simon Russell Beale) & his son Richie (Dylan O’Brien) use it as one of their many fronts for a certain business. purposes. Richie is joined by the enforcer Francis (Johnny Flynn) as they routinely visit Leonard’s place of business. They are greeted by Leonard’s secretary Mable (Zoey Deutch). Everything seems to be going fine until one night, when all hell breaks loose when multiple characters try to enact their own plan. Whose plan will come out on top? 

This crime mystery genre is one of my favorites. Call me a sucker for nostalgia, but I love a well done period piece. The Outfit certainly is a well done period piece. The production team nailed the look and feel. The main problem is that every character conveniently had a plan that had a major impact on the story. I am guessing so this doesn’t leave a character like Mable “reduced” to a female in the 1950’s that isn’t leading the charge on women’s liberation. Or Francis having changes in character that seemingly come out of nowhere. Because the story manages to close all of them (some more quickly than others) and ends story, it doesn’t hurt the overall experience. 

 The Cast 

This is Mark Rylance’s film, and he carries it well. His screen presences and overall demeanor is what keeps this film grounded. Zoey Deutch’s character is the one that I have the most trouble with. Her attitude and motivations seemed more written for a woman playing a role in a 1956 movie rather than what a female in that time period actually would. Dylan O’Brien & Johnny Flynn turn in very good performances, although O’Brien’s accent gets a little shaky from time to time. Simon Russell Beale plays Roy with more compassion and empathy than is usually afforded such a character. 

Highs & Lows

Highs: Mark Rylance, Beautiful sets & period piece. 

Lows: Zoey Deutch’s characer, one too many tricks. 

Overall

In the end, The Outfit, despite all it has going for it, almost loses itself in an attempt to impress you. It is still worth a watch. 

Score:

3 out of 4 

Our Readers And Listeners Keep Us In Print & On The Air!

Click here to subscribe to The CRUSADE Channel’s Founders Pass Member Service & Gain 24/7 Access to Our Premium, New Talk Radio Service. www.crusadechannel.com/go

What Is The Crusade Channel?