The Outfit Movie Review

The Outfit (2022)

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Written by: Graham Moore & Johnathan McClain
Directed by: Graham Moore
Starring: Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, Dylan O'Brien, Johnny Flynn
Rated: R
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Plot
An expert cutter must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.

Verdict
This was better than expected as this relies on pure story rather than action. Rylance does an excellent job, but the script really impresses. It doesn't rely on tricks like CGI or over the top action. While the entire movie takes place in the cutter's shop, the story remains engrossing as it twists and turns. The cutter is playing a dangerous game, but to what end?
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Review
Leonard (Mark Rylance) is a cutter, not a tailor. A tailor sews on buttons, a cutter crafts suits. He's an artist devoted to his craft, but he has an arrangement with a criminal organization. There seems to be more to this guy, but he remains devoted to his work. Rylance is perfect for the role.

Mark Rylance play Leonard

This uneasy relationship leads to the criminals hiding in his shop one night when they encounter trouble. This is where I really began wondering about Leonard. He cowers most of the time, but he's often bold when required. The way he moves between these two emotions is intriguing, and it certainly seems like he's hiding something.

Throughout the night Leonard becomes more bold as he stands up to these guys, and this movie certainly has some tense moments. Leonard is sewing seeds of discontent, stirring the pot. This can't be just a ploy to survive the night, he's actively creating a situation. He's pitting the criminals against each other.

Zoey Deutch, Mark Rylance, Johnny Flynn play Mable, Leonard, Francis

This feels a bit like a stage play as the entire movie takes place in Leonard's bespoke shop. There's a lot of dialog, but it builds tension and reveals insight into Leonard. He's playing chess. For a man that says he can't lie, he's quite adept at it. His ploy becomes more impressive through the night, but I kept wondering why. Is this just to get these guys out of his shop? He has a plan, but it's unclear what the end game is. That question drives the movie.