Anna (2019) marks Luc Besson’s bold return to the femme fatale genre, delivering a glossy action thriller that blends espionage, high fashion, and violence. Anchored by Sasha Luss in the titular role, this spy movie offers a visually stunning ride through Cold War-era intrigue, though it struggles to break new ground. In this movie review, we explore the plot, performances, strengths, and shortcomings of Anna, a film that dazzles but doesn’t fully captivate.
Plot Summary of Anna (2019)
Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era Russia and Europe, Anna (2019) follows Anna Poliatova (Sasha Luss), a young woman rescued from poverty to become a KGB assassin. Trained to kill with lethal precision, she navigates a treacherous world of espionage, caught between the KGB and American intelligence agencies. The narrative unfolds through a non-linear timeline, with twists revealed through flashbacks that keep viewers guessing.
As Anna balances her covert life with a facade of high fashion modeling, she becomes entangled in a web of deception involving her handler Olga (Helen Mirren), CIA operative Lenny (Cillian Murphy), and KGB agent Alex (Luke Evans). The film’s layered storytelling aims for cleverness but often relies on last-minute plot twists that can feel forced.
Key Themes Explored
Anna dives into themes of manipulation, identity, and power in the world of espionage. Here’s a closer look:
Femme Fatale and Manipulation
True to Besson’s signature style, Anna embodies the femme fatale archetype—beautiful, dangerous, and cunning. The film explores how she manipulates those around her while being manipulated herself, highlighting the cost of living a double life in the spy world.
Cold War Intrigue
Set during the Cold War, Anna captures the tension between Russian and American intelligence agencies. The espionage elements, combined with political maneuvering, create a backdrop of constant suspicion and betrayal.
Style Over Substance
Besson’s obsession with high fashion and visual flair is evident, with Anna’s modeling career serving as a glossy cover for her deadly missions. However, this focus sometimes overshadows deeper emotional or narrative development.
Strengths of Anna (2019)
Anna shines in its aesthetics and action, delivering moments of pure adrenaline. Here are its standout qualities:
Exhilarating Action Sequences
The film’s action scenes, particularly a standout restaurant shootout, are meticulously choreographed, drawing comparisons to John Wick. These moments of violence are brutal yet stylish, showcasing Besson’s knack for kinetic energy in action thrillers.
Stellar Supporting Cast
Helen Mirren steals the show as Olga, Anna’s ruthless KGB handler. Her sharp wit and commanding presence elevate every scene. Cillian Murphy and Luke Evans also deliver strong performances, adding charm and intrigue to the espionage narrative.
Visual Flair
Besson’s signature style—think La Femme Nikita and Lucy—is on full display, with vibrant cinematography and high fashion aesthetics. The film’s sleek visuals make it a feast for the eyes, even when the story falters.
Weaknesses of Anna (2019)
Despite its polish, Anna doesn’t always hit the mark:
Limited Emotional Depth
Sasha Luss brings an icy elegance to Anna, but her performance lacks the emotional range needed to fully connect with audiences. Compared to Mirren’s commanding presence, Anna feels somewhat one-dimensional.
Overreliance on Twists
The non-linear timeline and frequent plot twists aim to keep viewers engaged but can feel repetitive or predictable. The espionage genre thrives on surprises, but Anna leans too heavily on last-minute reveals, diluting their impact.
Lack of Originality
While stylish, Anna feels like a rehash of Besson’s earlier works, lacking the freshness of La Femme Nikita or the boldness of Lucy. Fans of the femme fatale genre may experience déjà vu.
Why You Should Watch Anna (2019)
Anna (2019) is a slick, stylish action thriller that delivers for fans of espionage movies and femme fatale narratives. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its high-octane action sequences, stunning visuals, and Helen Mirren’s unforgettable performance make it a worthwhile watch. If you’re in the mood for a spy movie with a glamorous edge, Anna fits the bill.
Who Is This Movie For?
- Fans of Luc Besson’s films like La Femme Nikita and Lucy.
- Viewers who enjoy action thrillers with espionage and femme fatale elements.
- Those looking for a visually striking spy movie with strong supporting performances.
Where to Watch Anna (2019)
You can stream Anna (2019) on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or rent it on YouTube Movies. Check your local streaming services for availability.
Final Thoughts
Anna (2019) is a visually dazzling action thriller that delivers espionage, high fashion, and violence in true Luc Besson fashion. While it lacks the emotional depth and originality to stand among his best works, it’s an entertaining ride bolstered by Helen Mirren’s brilliance and slick action scenes. For fans of spy movies and femme fatale stories, Anna offers enough thrills to keep you engaged.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Ready for a stylish espionage adventure? Watch Anna (2019) and share your thoughts in the comments below!
