Simon Kinberg brings audiences a globe-trotting, female-led adventure with Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger, Penélope Cruz, and Bingbing Fan starring as a group of international spies from across the globe. Marvel star Sebastian Stan and Emmy nominee Edgar Ramírez also star in the film. However, the hottest selling item from the 2018 Cannes’ market — that ended up starting a bidding war between studios — unfortunately crashes and burns into a January release with some questionable special effects and predictable twists.
An All-Star Cast who Must Work Together to Save the Day
Taking its name from the unidentified female spy who fought in the American Revolution, “The 355” follows a group of spies from various international agencies as they race to prevent global catastrophe. Jessica Chastain takes the lead, starring as Mason ‘Mace’ Brown, a rash CIA agent who, after a mission goes wrong, who must team up with other international agents to retrieve a deadly weapon before it gets into the wrong hands. Former MI6 ally Khadijah (“Black Panther” star Lupita Nyong’o), foe-turned-friend Marie (Diane Kruger), Columbian psychologist Graciela (“Parallel Mothers” star Penélope Cruz) and a mysterious helper (“X-Men: Days of Future Past” star Bingbing Fan) must all work together with Mace to combat betrayal and risk their lives to save the world.
Despite being an original concept and not a part of the multi-billion-dollar franchises we see in today’s Box Office, “The 355” is a refreshing addition that seems to hold its own. The concept doesn’t fail to deliver. The film features explosive action sequences that don’t feel repetitive and leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
However, even though “The 355” seems to be a film that was made in spite of other male-lead action films and classic action movie clichés, it doesn’t manage to escape some of the genre clichés…including criminal-packed auctions and best friend betrayals. The film becomes predictable by the second act; it turns into an easily forgettable action flick that gets lost among an overabundance of other action films.
“The 355” excels at female empowerment, but suffers from un-exciting bits. (Photo: Universal Pictures).
‘The 355’ isn’t the Most Memorable; but Editing Saves its More Un-exciting Bits
Even though the film isn’t exactly the most memorable affair, the solid performances from a strong cast, and the thrilling action sequences, make it an enjoyable watch that doesn’t bite off more than it can chew. The 2-hour runtime allows Kinberg to explore these characters; he does this while also keeping viewers entertained, and the ending leaves the film open for a potential sequel. “The 355” doesn’t take itself too seriously; the undertone of female empowerment is consistent throughout without shoving it down audiences’ throats. Other themes are too underbaked to mean anything. Editors John Gilbert (“Hacksaw Ridge”) and Lee Smith (“Dunkirk,” “The Dark Knight”) do a great job here; they make the film as exciting as possible, whilst making the more unexciting parts amusing to watch.
The film features explosive action sequences that don’t feel repetitive and leave audiences on the edge of their seats.”
“The 355” is a high-octane spectacle, with high-stakes and fierce performances. Even the award-winning cast can’t save the film; it becomes a trite action film that’s impact fizzles soon after you’ve watched it. However, many unanswered questions and unexplored backstories leaves the fledgling franchise open to possible sequels and prequels. Simon Kinberg’s third directorial outing, instead of leaving you in awe, leaves you thinking he should stick to producing.
Currently, “The 355” is only available to watch in theaters.
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