It should go without saying, but when it comes to wars, terrorism and conflicts intelligence is key. Good intel is often the difference between victory or defeat. The difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of people. The role Bletchley Park played in the Allies winning World War II is well-documented, but the British war effort involved the bravery and sacrifice of so, so many. A Call to Spy tells a little-known story of heroism.
After the occupation of France at the beginning of the Second World War, British command were desperate for information. This led to the amalgamation of three existing departments to create the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Vera Atkins (Stana Katic) is tasked with recruiting female operatives to work behind enemy lines. Virginia (Sarah Megan Thomas) and Noor (Radhika Apte) are two of her ‘girls’.
A Call to Spy shines a light on the women who sacrificed everything to help defeat the Nazis. Lydia Dean Pilcher’s film excels in period detail and design. It’s a fascinating true story which highlights the dangers these courageous women faced and how vital their role was in undermining the occupation. What’s less strong is the script and acting, both feel wooden and forced, at times. Which can make A Call to Spy feel a little too much like a docudrama.
A Call to Spy is in Cinemas and on Digital HD from 23 October
