I went to see this film without any fore knowledge of the content, only the general awareness that Judi Dench plays a senior female Russian spy, Joan Smith, hence the film's title. This film turned out to be a story told in flashbacks as Joan now a senior citizen is arrested for treason. Her spying activities start after we see Joan as a young Cambridge physics student flirting with revolutionary socialism and with a young Russian student, Leo, a cousin of her friend Sonya. The idealism of youth and the enduring friendships of university life bind the plot together as Joan becomes embroiled in spying for Leo as she becomes smitten by him, and starts working at a secret government research centre with her physics degree.
A thoughtful story that takes on the feel of a work of romantic fiction as the relationship between Leo and Joan evolves, sometimes at a distance, revealing the extent of the spying and the consequences of secrets revealed.
A thought provoking and interesting film that is intelligent in its approach.
Perhaps calling it 'inspired by a true story' that of Melita Norwood is too far fetched, as that real life Granny Spy never went to Cambridge University, never had a barrister son, never studied physics and had no doubts about her socialist ideals as both her parents were Communists. This is different more nuanced story and altogether better for it from a storyline perspective. Judi Dench is as wonderful as ever and Sophie Cookson as the young Joan is mesmerising. Leo as played by Tom Hughes adds mystery as the idealist young male love interest, to this fascinating and intelligent tale.
Review of Red Joan
