All the Old Knives

All the Old Knives

Year: 2022

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Janus Metz Pedersen

MysteryThriller

In the shadow of a devastating betrayal, veteran CIA operative Henry Pelham embarks on a perilous hunt for a mole who compromised national security, leading him from Vienna to England and California. As he reunites with his former colleague and ex-lover Celia Harrison, their investigation blurs the lines between duty and desire in a tense thriller of global espionage and deadly deception.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – All the Old Knives (2022)
Explore the full timeline and setting of All the Old Knives (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2012, early 2020

The film spans across two significant time frames. The first, 2012, captures a tense period of international terrorism and crisis management, highlighting the vulnerabilities of airline safety. The second, early 2020, delves into the aftermath of those events, exploring personal repercussions and the rekindling of past relationships in the wake of betrayal.

Location

Vienna, Afghanistan, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, London

Vienna is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, serving as the backdrop for intelligence operations. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is a picturesque coastal town known for its artistic community and tranquil atmosphere, providing a stark contrast to the unfolding drama. The film also takes viewers to London, further emphasizing its role in global intelligence affairs.

🏙️ Cities 🌍 Locations

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Main Characters – All the Old Knives (2022)
Meet the key characters of All the Old Knives (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Henry Pelham (Chris Pine)

Henry is a conflicted CIA agent grappling with the ramifications of his past betrayal. Torn between duty and personal history, he seeks to uncover the truth behind an intelligence breach while facing the emotional fallout of his previous relationships. His attempts to reconcile his actions portray him as a tragic figure caught in a web of espionage.

🕵️ Agent 💔 Betrayed

Celia Harrison (Thandiwe Newton)

Celia is a smart and resilient former CIA operative whose current quiet life is disrupted by the return of her past love, Henry. Burdened by guilt and a complex relationship with her work, she must confront her choices and the emotional scars left by the hijacking. Her character embodies the struggle between personal loyalties and professional obligations.

👩‍💼 Operative 💔 Heartbroken

Vick Wallinger (Laurence Fishburne)

Vick is a seasoned CIA officer and Henry's superior who embodies the pressures of leadership in intelligence operations. Responsible for managing the crisis, he must balance the demands of his role with the personal histories of the agents under his command. Vick serves as a conduit for the unfolding drama as old ties are tested.

👨‍💼 Leader 💼 Authority

Bill Compton (Jonathan Pryce)

Bill is a colleague of Henry and Celia who becomes entangled in the investigation's perilous web. His actions demonstrate the precarious nature of trust within the intelligence world, as he finds himself caught between informing on friends and seeking personal security. Bill’s character reflects the moral ambiguities faced by intelligence agents.

🕵️‍♂️ Colleague 📜 Informant

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

Major Themes – All the Old Knives (2022)
Explore the central themes of All the Old Knives (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal looms large as characters navigate complex loyalties and hidden agendas. Henry is deeply affected by his past actions, having compromised his principles to protect those he cared for. Celia's internal conflict underscores the pain of choosing between love and duty, culminating in heartbreaking revelations and sacrifices.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

The theme of espionage drives the narrative, revealing the intricacies of intelligence work and the personal toll it takes on agents. The reopening of the investigation into the hijacking showcases the continuous threat posed by terrorism and the constant vigilance required in the spy world. Personal histories intertwine with national security matters, complicating the characters' missions.

⏳ Consequences

The film powerfully illustrates the long-lasting consequences of one's actions. Choices made during the hijacking affect the lives of characters years later, showing how the past can haunt the present. Celia and Henry's relationship suffers as the weight of their decisions impacts their actions and fates.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:58

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