#5 in my ranking of Robert Zemeckis films.
Some films directed by Robert Zemeckis, like “Cast Away”, “What Lies Beneath”, and more recently “Allied”, are best experienced without knowing the plot ahead of time. Unfortunately, the trailers for these movies often reveal too much, ruining some of the surprises and twists that make them so engaging. While I understand the marketing strategy behind this, it’s a shame because the unique stories and depth that Zemeckis brings to his films are best appreciated when watched without prior knowledge. His talent lies in creating movies that stand out from the crowd with their complexity and originality.
I really enjoy the movie “Allied,” having watched it twice. I believe it’s one of Steven Zemeckis’ less recognized pieces, but oh boy, why did he have to give away the fact that Marion Cotillard was suspected of being a German spy in the trailer? The film barely hints at this possibility during the first hour, subtle details that only those rewatching or paying close attention would notice. For the average viewer, these details might go unnoticed in Casablanca and the second-act revelation that propels the rest of the movie could be a more satisfying surprise.
In another scenario, Canadian intelligence operative and secret agent Max finds himself in French Morocco, masquerading as Marianne’s husband – a fellow undercover agent. They quickly slip into their roles, yet remain aware that they are merely acting. There’s an underlying tension between them, stemming from the understanding that emotions can compromise their professional duties. Despite being attractive individuals in a hazardous line of work where each day could be their last, they avoid becoming too emotionally involved. Their task is to assassinate the German ambassador to French Morocco and manage a hasty escape if possible. In a nerve-wracking and expertly crafted sequence, they successfully carry out the mission. However, feelings start to surface between them that they can no longer ignore. Following a thorough three-week examination that delays Marianne’s return to England during the war, she is given clearance to relocate to England for their wedding. As wartime London couples, they establish a family, with Max working behind a desk instead of in the field.
So far, the movie has been an engaging portrayal of a war-time romance laced with mystery, but it’s when Marianne is suspected of being a German spy that the plot takes a more typical Zemeckis turn. From this point on, Max becomes determined to prove Marianne’s innocence, which becomes his primary motivation throughout the rest of the film. Despite V-Section, Britain’s Intelligence Service, having strong evidence against Marianne, including the claim that the real Marianne died years ago in Paris, Max refuses to sit idly by and wait for their investigation to conclude. He interrogates anyone who might have information, encountering dead ends along the way. He also enlists a young pilot to ask a Frenchman about Marianne, only to learn that the pilot was killed after waiting too long to return from his mission with the resistance. In a nerve-wracking nighttime scene, Max himself takes that same flight to confront the Frenchman and uncover the truth.
The second half of this movie is what truly brings it together effectively. The ambiguity surrounding Marianne’s allegiances, due to her past conversations with Max and information provided by V-Section and the Frenchman, as well as subtle clues that Max observes himself, creates a palpable tension about whether Max’s suspicions towards Marianne are justified or not. This could be one of the reasons some viewers have criticized the movie. Initially, due to trailers, we expect Marianne to be under suspicion, so the first half feels like a build-up and the second half seems to catch up with the audience’s expectations. However, I believe that marketing should not influence my personal opinion of a film. I prefer to consider the opening scenes as the first genuine encounter with the movie itself.
The movie, titled “Allied,” is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its technical director, who worked diligently from a sharp and suspenseful script penned by Steven Knight. It’s meticulously paced, with a focus on character development and mystery, making it a valuable addition to an impressive body of work.
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2025-01-21 00:30