Anthropoid

REVIEW:

I stumbled across Anthropoid completely by chance while digging through a second hand movie store, a place I often visit to find underrated gems. What immediately caught my eye were the two main stars: Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan. With names that big, I was surprised I’d never even heard of this film before. No trailer, no buzz, no marketing I could remember. Curiosity got the better of me and I bought it on a whim. That decision turned out to be one of the most rewarding blind purchases I’ve made in a long time because this movie is nothing short of excellent.

I’m genuinely curious if this film slipped under the radar just for me or if Anthropoid is one of those movies that was largely overlooked in general. It’s surprising given the calibre of the cast and the gripping true story it’s based on. The historical event at the film’s core, Operation Anthropoid, the mission to assassinate high-ranking Nazi officer Reinhard Heydrich, isn’t one I was familiar with which made the experience even more intense. Watching the events unfold without knowing what was going to happen heightened the suspense and placed this film right alongside some of the most talked about war espionage movies.

The film’s opening is haunting in its simplicity. On-screen text detailing the Munich Agreement and the subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia sets the tone immediately. Hitler sends his third in command, SS officer Reinhard Heydrich, to Prague to crush the resistance movement. The mood is chilling right from the start and it only grows darker from there. The movie follows two Czech soldiers, Jan Kubiš (Jamie Dornan) and Jozef Gabčík (Cillian Murphy), parachuted into their homeland with a nearly impossible mission to kill Heydrich.

Where Anthropoid really shines is in its ability to make you feel completely immersed in 1940s Prague. The foggy cobbled streets, the muted colour palette, the authentic vehicles and wardrobe all of it transports you directly into this tense, occupied world. There’s a palpable feeling of dread that looms over nearly every scene. Director Sean Ellis masterfully maintains a slow burning intensity throughout the film, keeping you fully aware of how high the stakes are for everyone involved.

The cast delivers across the board. Murphy and Dornan are especially strong, each bringing a different energy to their characters, Murphy haunted and resolute, Dornan more visibly conflicted but equally committed. The two of them have a believable bond and the film gives both space to shine. Supporting actors Charlotte Le Bon, Toby Jones, and Bill Milner all elevate the film as well. Milner in particular leaves a lasting impression during one of the movie’s most disturbing sequences. His torture scene is genuinely harrowing and very hard to sit through.

There are several standout moments scattered throughout the runtime. The failed assassination attempt had my heart in my throat, especially when the gun jams. It’s a detail that adds an agonising layer of realism to the scene. And the climactic shootout in the church is relentless, a claustrophobic and ferocious final act that doesn’t let up for a second. It’s one of the most gripping third acts I’ve seen in a war movie in recent memory, offering a payoff that’s both emotionally devastating and cinematically satisfying.

That said, Anthropoid isn’t perfect. While the core story is strong, some of the side characters, particularly the women played by Charlotte Le Bon and Anna Geislerová, don’t get the development they deserve. There are also a few moments where the Czech accents, while authentic, are so thick that I found myself missing bits of dialogue. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means but it’s worth noting if you’re watching without subtitles. The film’s first hour is a slow build but I appreciated that, it allows time for the tension to mount and for the operation’s complexity to come into focus.

Ultimately, Anthropoid is a gripping and haunting war triller that deserves far more recognition than it seems to have received. It’s a story of sacrifice, courage, and resistance, told with precision and an unflinching eye. If, like me, you hadn’t heard of this film until now, do yourself a favour and seek it out. It’s a hidden gem that will stay with you long after the credits roll.