Woke Nonsense: None

The Outfit is a terrific movie. It stars the estimable Mark Rylance, in an understated and effective performance. Rylance is one of my favorite actors working today, having done signature work in The Bridge of Spies and Dunkirk. He commands your attention.

The movie occurs entirely within a customer tailoring shop, where Rylance’ character (nicknamed English) makes bespoke suits in Chicago. Among his best customers are members of the local Irish mob, who seem to have a soft spot for him.

The story surrounds the battle of wits between the small cast. There is tension between the mob boss’s son Ritchie, (Dylan O’Brian), here played as an insecure thug who has been shot by rival gang members, and a fellow gang member Francis, (Johnny Flynn). Both seek the approval of Ritchie’s father and the mob’s boss.

The two young thugs show up in the tailor shop after a shoot out, where Ritchies girlfriend Mable (Zoey Deutch) works. She does a nice turn as the not so innocent femme fatale. Ritchie is bleeding, and has an incriminating audio tape which could reveal the identity of a traitor to the gang.

Mark Rylance’ character English subtly manipulates the characters in an effort to keep himself and Mable alive.

To say much more here would be revealing too much of the plot and the twists in it. Suffice it to say that things are not necessarily as they seem. It is a great pleasure to see where it all ends up.

Movie Tip: If you like The Outfit, (or even if you don’t) see the 1972 version of Sleuth. Featuring a match of wits among the acting greats Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier, it sustains great suspense and dramatic tension throughout. In addition, Deathtrap. Also starring Michael Caine, plus Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon.