“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is of a rare breed, a mystery that excels beyond the norm and is, in itself, a conundrum. The primary attribute and greatest strength of the film could also be its largest flaw.  The actors are magnificently cast, the script is strong, the setting and costumes superb, yet the dryness and lack of emotion necessitated from the retinue may negate all great aforementioned constituents.

Being esoteric is, generally speaking and by definition, complex and created for a selective audience. Here in the film lies a great balance: those who know little of the Cold War or the protocol of Military Intelligence are not left in the dark by historical facts or jargon.

However, the film presents issues in its esotericism when it brings about the twists and turns of its mystery-driven plot.

The crux of the story lies with the fact that a Russian mole was placed in British Intelligence, thus compromising their secrets.

This premise is clever and adequate, and given a setting of spies in a more realistic and ordinary world, the film has a drab feeling when compared to other spy dramas such as James Bond films.

What proves to be alluring is the intellectual appeal than anything else, showing more proof of this film’s rarity in the market of today. To some it may feel drawn out and to others it may feel like watching an artist crafting a wonderful sculpture. What is undeniable is that “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is a clever, taut and solid film.