The Courier

 

        Based on the true story of an English businessman who helped MI6 and the CIA penetrate the Soviet Missile program by becoming the go-between with a Russian defector during the "Cold War" years. By couriering secret information from Oleg Penkovsky back to England during "routine" business trips to Russia, Greville Wynne helped prevent the Cuban missile Crisis in the early '60's.

         Benedict Cumberbatch is Wynne and of course, perfectly cast. He is joined by Merab Ninidze as Penkovsky and their chemistry is terrific. As an ordinary business man pressed into service as a spy, Mr. Cumberbatch is a perfect "everyman" who endured much more than he expected when he agreed to help the U.S. and England.

         This thriller is much more of a cerebral spy story, rather than an action-packed adventure.  It is quietly suspenseful and very entertaining, especially knowing it's based on a true story.