Unless covering a film festival, January is usually not a particularly memorable or busy month. On one hand, it’s a pity not to attend the always interesting week or so of the Sundance Film Festival, but on the other hand, there’s more time to watch films that often go unnoticed by many cinema lovers. Inheritance is one such case – a spy thriller directed by Neil Burger (Divergent) and co-written by Burger and Olen Steinhauer (All the Old Knives). The story revolves around Maya (Phoebe Dynevor), a young woman who discovers that her father (Rhys Ifans) is a spy, finding herself caught in an international conspiracy while attempting to reconnect with him.
Inheritance stands out as a remarkable example of guerrilla filmmaking – virtually without a budget, but executed in a fascinating manner. Shot entirely on an iPhone, Burger and his technical team make use of extended takes and prolonged dialogue scenes in real locations often filled with uncontrollable crowds, allowing the actors to truly perform. The phone camera captures intriguing moments of tension, particularly in places where paying attention to the road or the surrounding environment is crucial for survival – significantly elevating the movie’s overall intensity. Even when bystanders glance directly at the camera, Burger integrates these unavoidable details organically into the narrative, a surprising feat given the limitations of the filming method.
Beyond this technical achievement, one of Inheritance‘s greatest highlights is the extraordinary performance by Dynevor (Fair Play). The actress uses her eyes as a powerful tool of expression, but she doesn’t rely solely on this “trick”. Her complete physical embodiment of the character and her improvisational skills make her captivating to watch. Dyvenor’s display exudes maturity and charisma, proving – if it wasn’t already clear – that she’s a rising star. Alongside her, Ifans (House of the Dragon) delivers his usual solid interpretation, with his interactions with Dynevor resulting in genuinely engaging sequences. The fluid, uninterrupted dialogue sequences add emotional complexity to a story that does have its issues…
At first, Inheritance seems to take an interesting thematic path, offering a sensitive exploration of grief and reconnecting with loved ones who have drifted apart for one reason or another. However, as the narrative progresses, the focus shifts to more conventional aspects of spy thrillers. While this tonal and pacing shift may appeal to some, it’s generally disappointing. The script by Burger and Steinhauer loses some of its depth, stumbling over underwhelming revelations and a predictable, rushed conclusion. While suspension of disbelief is often necessary for this genre, the plot gradually becomes unnecessarily convoluted, making it less engaging.
From a technical standpoint, Inheritance is undoubtedly an achievement worthy of praise. Jackson Hunt’s (The Black Sea) cinematography contributes to the film’s authenticity, and Burger demonstrates a remarkable ability to make the most of available resources, creating something visually dynamic and full of energy. The electric score by Paul Leonard-Morgan significantly enhances the entertainment levels. Nevertheless, it’s hard to ignore that, at its core, the story is fairly conventional. Still, for fans of experimental cinema, this is a movie worth watching, if only to admire the ingenuity and boldness of its production.
Final Thoughts on Inheritance
Inheritance shines through its impromptu filming style and the strength of its lead performances but falls short narratively. Neil Burger pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, proving that creativity and technical skill can overcome any financial limitations. Phoebe Dynevor once again demonstrates her immense talent with a performance that is, above all, confident and assured. For those who value the art of cinema and the risk of experimentation, I recommend giving it a watch.
Rating: B-
Inheritance is now playing in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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