Adam Lawrence (Charlie Cox) wants to Betray in this new Netflix series coinciding with Boxing Day.
First, by stuffing the boots of his boss, Sir Martin Angelis (Ciarán Hinds), after an assassination attempt, then second, navigating the treacherous waters of international espionage while trying to protect his family.
However, beyond the secret relationships and devious catch-ups that make any spy thriller worth watching, audiences will only be concerned with one thing – will Charlie Cox be able to make it through? On this occasion, an answer that largely depends on whether the audience is a Daredevil fan or the actor himself.
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Created out of nothing by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Matt Charman (Bridge of Spies), this ultra-glamorous espionage game is followed by Charlie Cox. Confronting his older colleagues within the first five minutes, Adam Lawrence is forced to prioritize his professional choices over his personal responsibilities. These are the decisions that will determine the length of time he will remain in office while offering ammunition to those who want power for themselves.
Betrayal begins with all the gimmicks and backbiting audiences would expect from any semi-correct example of the genre, but soon returns to formula. Adam is established as a family man early on and is surrounded by his son’s elementary school class when he receives an unexpected phone call. Sir Martin has been poisoned and Adam needs to step in immediately.
It should come as no surprise that the hit was part of a larger plan, as creator Matt Charman has already made audiences accomplices with his prologue to Kara (Olga Kurylenko), an old love from Adam’s past who was instrumental in correcting his path. to promotional glory for several years. Whether he admits it or not, it’s a reality that puts him in a difficult position when he starts demanding reimbursement for all those professional favors.
Watch a trailer for Betrayal
Coincidentally, his wife Maddie (Oona Chaplin) has an old CIA friend on vacation in the UK when this all starts. Dede (Tracy Ifeachor) is obviously stationed in London for surveillance purposes, not for sightseeing. As the plot deepens and Kara continues to demand more information from Adam, this series begins to lose its appeal.
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As the twists and turns increase, everything becomes extremely clear. Whether this is due to Adam’s transparent kidnapping plot targeting his children or if it lasted less than half an episode is up for debate.
There seems to be little or no chemistry between Charlie Cox and Olga Kurylenko, which also undermines their past stories as exes. This happens before Adam is forced to reveal his past violations, file his report, and Betray to make things right.
How, why, and when Adam accomplished all this is academic in entertainment, because by then audiences had realized that Charlie Cox could do anything. Learning his craft on stage and returning to it periodically whenever possible, this actor can do more of his own superhero franchise in Daredevil: Born Again.
On paper, Betrayal sounds like a traditional spy thriller with a few surprises, and unfortunately that’s exactly what viewers should have been waiting for on Boxing Day when it hits Netflix. Ciaran Hinds and Olga Kurylenko might offer solid support to Cox, who certainly seems to be on the rise in terms of star status, but the truth is this story is far from top-notch material.
For the most part, this sounds like a solid community that realizes they may not be in outstanding business. It’s all by the numbers and ticks every box without any fuss, but in the end Treason is devoid of any tension, even if a repulsive soundtrack suggests otherwise. Under these constraints, there is little Charlie Cox can do other than appear on screen, as any plot seems incapable of helping him.
Viewers will expect something better from an Oscar-nominated screenwriter linked to a Steven Spielberg project like Bridge of Spies. Sadly, Treason is fantastically average in every way other than the soundtrack and the cast. A better example of the genre to look for immediately is Tomas Alfredson’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy starring Gary Oldman.
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However, instead of making a logical decision and looking for a quality espionage thriller of this genre, Betrayal should only be considered by loyal fans, namely those who want to see Charlie Cox have a mediocre Netflix original.
Everyone else should do themselves a favor and at least rewatch the Jason Bourne movies that made Matt Damon a movie star – even if Jeremy Renner was a little disappointed.
Treason is available to watch exclusively on Netflix from December 26.