Exploring the Intriguing World of 'Inheritance': A Unique Spy Thriller

A Father's Legacy of Espionage

While some fathers leave behind traditional inheritances, Sam imparts lessons in espionage to his daughter, Maya.

After the passing of her mother, Maya (played by Phoebe Dynevor) reconnects with her estranged father, Sam (Rhys Ifans). Initially, Maya is unaware that Sam is not merely a real estate fixer but a spy. The revelation comes too late, as Sam is soon kidnapped, prompting Maya to tap into a hidden side of herself.

Directed by Neil Burger, Inheritance stands apart from typical high-budget spy thrillers. Spanning locations from New York to Cairo, Delhi, and Seoul, the film maintains a raw and realistic tone. The screenplay, co-written by Burger and Olen Steinhauer, remains within the bounds of believability.

Unlike many action-packed films, Inheritance avoids explosive scenes and dramatic stunts. Instead, it presents Maya with the daunting task of acting as an undercover agent without any formal training.

Now available on the streaming service Lionsgate Play, Inheritance offers a quick yet engaging viewing experience, perfect for a casual dinner watch.

Despite its 101-minute runtime, Burger occasionally struggles to maintain engagement. However, his documentary-style filming, entirely shot on iPhones, effectively follows Maya's journey as she seeks to uncover the truth about her father's kidnappers while grappling with his true identity.

The film features a standout chase scene in Delhi, where Burger cleverly showcases the local motorcycle riders' knack for weaving through traffic as Maya attempts to evade her pursuers. The use of non-professional actors in these scenes adds to the film's authenticity.

Phoebe Dynevor, reminiscent of Keira Knightley, delivers a commendable performance as the resilient heroine, but Rhys Ifans shines as Sam, skillfully portraying his character's cunning nature and deceptive charm.