A Call To Spy
Starring: Sarah Meagan Thomas, Stana Katic, Radhia Apte, Linus Roache
Directed By: Lydia Dean Pilcher
Rated: PG-13

As the Nazi’s invade Europe in World War II, a British agency called SOE sets out to recruit and train female spies to help the Allied war effort. It’s a dangerous mission but brave women from all over prepare for the job in order to help stop the Nazis. A Call To Spy tells the story of these female spies that many of us may not know.

Director Lydia Dean Pilcher crafts a World War II film told from the female perspective. It’s a change of pace from the male-dominated genre that audiences are so accustomed to when seeing something about World War II. I was unfamiliar with the female spies working through this time in history and it was quite interesting to find out about their lives. Sarah Meagan Thomas writes and stars in the film, giving a heartfelt performance as Virginia Hall, the disabled spy from America who longs to be a diplomat. She dedicates everything to being a good spy and stopping the Nazis. Thomas’ script reflects the bravery of Virginia Hall. It also reflects the bravery of Virginia’s comrades, Vera Atkins (the recruiter of the SOE) and Noor Khan (a fellow spy). They are played quite well by Stana Katic and Radhika Apte.

Despite the historical significance of its subject matter, A Call To Spy treads into familiar territory that audiences have seen before. The historical drama is a popular genre and the World War II historical drama even more so. Unfortunately, there are times that this seems like a paint by numbers entry into the genre. A Call To Spy doesn’t exactly tread new ground with its filmmaking techniques and, at times, moves at a very slow pace, even feeling a bit boring. It’s a shame because the women at its center are riveting people with historically significant lives. They’re certainly not boring. The pacing of the film is just off.

A Call To Spy offers up a piece of history that we should all become more acquainted with. I didn’t know about Virginia Hall, Vera Atkins, Noor Khan, or any of the female spies working with the SOE in World War II. It’s a fascinating part of history that should be learned. However, I do wish the film was more exciting in exploring such an interesting subject matter.
My Rating: 6/10