I recently rewatched Page Eight (2011), and was reminded of what a very good, understated spy thriller it is. Bill Nighy, as usual delivers a standout performance as Johnny Worricker, an aging MI5 analyst whose understated approach hides a cool, hard exterior. When his oldest friend and boss (Michael Gambon) hands him a classified document exposing government complicity in illegal American activities, Worricker finds himself at the centre of cover-ups and blame games in which he is destined to be the fall guy.

The cast is impressive—Rachel Weisz and Michael Gambon are both excellent, I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Gambon and Nighy as old University friends who remained forever loyal to each other despite Gambon taking his wife off him!

Anybody hoping for flashes and bangs will be left disappointed, this is a cleverly written and directed film where nuanced dialogue is the theme and it works beautifully. David Hare explores themes of loyalty, political power, relationships and a new world order in which trust in politicians and the security services post 9/11 have been severely compromised.