A Call to Spy (2020)

A Call to Spy feels special because it turns a familiar WWII backdrop into a tense, human-scale tribute to the women history too often relegated to footnotes, and it does so with the propulsion of a classic espionage thriller. Lydia Dean Pilcher’s direction keeps the danger close and the emotions closer, letting the meticulous, research-rooted script breathe through terrific performances—Stana Katic’s steely resolve, Sarah Megan Thomas’s quietly ferocious determination, and Radhika Apte’s luminous courage. The vibe is sober and suspenseful rather than glossy, with moments of grit and sacrifice that land because the film treats these lives with respect, not sentimentality. If you want escapist, puzzle-box spy fun, this may feel too grounded, but if you’re in the mood for an engrossing, stirring story about bravery under impossible pressure, it’s absolutely worth your time.

A Call to Spy is clearly trying to shine a deserved spotlight on overlooked women in WWII intelligence, and the intent is admirable: resilience, sacrifice, and quiet heroism over flashy action. The problem is that the film often feels like it’s dutifully recounting events rather than building suspense, with a stolid pace and modest staging that can make even life-or-death moments land softer than they should. If you’re hoping for a tense, edge-of-your-seat spy thriller, this may feel flat and a bit TV-movie in scale. But if you’re in the mood for a respectful, accessible historical drama that prioritizes recognition and character over adrenaline, there’s still value in spending time with these stories and performances.