‘Inheritance’ Review: Phoebe Dynevor and Rhys Ifans in Neil Burger’s Uninvolving iPhone Spy Thriller

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Occasionally, a film’s attempt at authenticity can make it appear contrived instead. This is true of the latest thriller by Neil Burger (known for ‘Divergent’ and ‘Limitless’), which was shot in numerous vibrant locations worldwide. It feels as if you might require a passport simply to view it due to its global settings.

From a narrative standpoint, “Inheritance” isn’t particularly unique, leaning heavily on typical suspense tropes. The protagonist is Maya (Phoebe Dynevor, known for “Bridgerton” and “Fair Play”), who uncovers the shocking truth that her father, Rhys Ifans, wasn’t a successful businessman in international real estate but rather a former spy with links to shady activities. The film’s unique selling point is its use of an iPhone for filming, which was intended to provide more flexibility and improvisation since the cast and crew could shoot on location without causing too much disturbance. However, it seems that this approach results in a more contrived feel compared to a standard “Mission: Impossible” production.

Perhaps the hyper-realistic filming technique might even heighten our perception of the cinematic artistry employed, rather than diminish it. A prolonged scene, featuring Dynevor on a motorcycle ride through a bustling urban landscape, strives for an immersive immediacy but instead feels disjointed. There are numerous sequences of Dynevor walking briskly amidst crowded city streets, with the camera persistently trailing behind her like a stalker, leaving one predominantly in awe of both her and the cameraman’s physical exertion.

The screenplay penned by Burger and Olen Steinhauer resembles a typical video game plot, with elements like Maya discovering her father’s passports bearing false identities, his supposed abduction, and a hard drive filled with top-secret documents that could easily be labeled as a “MacGuffin.” Despite the predictable elements, the fast-paced narrative allows for temporary tolerance. The film’s use of real-world locations such as New York City, Cairo, New Delhi, and Seoul is as stunning as any James Bond adventure. It’s quite entertaining watching the main characters traverse these cities, with onlookers likely unaware they are part of an international espionage narrative.

Additionally, Dynevor’s rising stardom is evident with her captivating and progressively bold screen presence, while Ifans’ acting talent adds layers of intriguing ambiguity to his character. It seems they both relish the unconventional filmmaking techniques used, which exclude equipment like boom mikes, key lights, and big crews from their field of vision.

Despite the initial intrigue, the movie’s tricks eventually lose their charm, leaving you more preoccupied with its weak storyline. The film, Inheritance, tries to build tension in various ways, such as a scene where Maya’s father calls her at a restaurant and demands she leaves immediately. However, the plot progression feels so formulaic that it fails to elicit any real emotional engagement. It’s worth noting that a similar scene was portrayed in Michael Mann’s 1986 film, Manhunter, where lead actors were filmed on a plane without permission.

Remarkably resembling an exceptional student-made movie, “Inheritance” appears more tailored as a crafty method to boost its creators’ travel rewards, rather than providing an enjoyable viewing experience.

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2025-01-22 17:24