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The Rhythm Section
2020 109 min Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America R 18+
★5.0
Action, Thriller
Director: Reed Morano
Trailers
Description
When she discovers the plane crash that claimed the lives of her family was no accident, Stephanie Patrick enters the dark, complex world of international espionage seeking vengeance. With nothing left to lose, Stephanie transforms from victim to assassin and discovers that neither revenge nor the truth are what they appear.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$5.44M
Worldwide:
$5.99M
Starring
Blake Lively
Actor
Richard Brake
Actor
Elly Curtis
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 3 nominations total
Key opinion
The Rhythm Section is widely regarded as a derivative and hollow entry in the revenge-thriller genre that fails to distinguish itself from its inspirations. While some viewers find technical merit in its cinematography and specific action sequences, the consensus points to a sluggish, poorly written film that lacks emotional resonance.
| Originality | The film leans heavily on tropes and plot beats lifted directly from established genre classics like Nikita and the Bourne series, resulting in a predictable and unoriginal narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is hindered by significant logical gaps, an underdeveloped protagonist, and a forced epilogue that undermines the character's journey. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Blake Lively's performance are deeply polarized; some critics praise her somber, transformative work, while others dismiss her portrayal as mechanical or unremarkable. | |
| Direction | While Reed Morano’s direction is criticized for a sluggish, disjointed, and emotionally flat tone, the cinematography—particularly the ambitious one-shot action sequences—receives distinct praise. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is a subject of debate, with some viewers appreciating a controlled, contemplative buildup, while others find the editing awkward and the film overall overlong. |