In the latest attempt at an action-packed Netflix blockbuster, Gal Gadot shines as the lead in “Heart of Stone,” a superspy thriller that offers a mix of intriguing concepts but struggles to find its footing.
With a rating of ★★½ out of four and a PG-13 label, the film debuts on Netflix this Friday, aiming to establish a new action franchise. Gadot, known for her role as “Wonder Woman,” steps into the shoes of Rachel Stone, a skilled operative for a covert global peacekeeping organization. This group employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence to carry out missions and predict impending terrorist activities – a plot point that recalls Tom Cruise’s recent “Mission: Impossible” film.
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Director Tom Harper’s narrative embarks on a whirlwind adventure, taking viewers from the Italian Alps to Iceland and beyond. Rachel Stone, masquerading as an MI6 tech expert, is actually a highly capable agent with a multitude of skills. The film’s unique premise involves Rachel’s need to downplay her talents to maintain her undercover persona within her team.
Amidst a storyline brimming with spy tropes and AI intrigue, Gadot’s charismatic performance and her character’s strong sense of justice serve as anchors. Jamie Dornan, who plays Rachel’s leader Parker, and Matthias Schweighöfer as the Jack of Hearts contribute to the movie’s intrigue, along with Alia Bhatt as prodigious hacker Keya.
The film grapples with multiple concepts – from espionage and AI dominance to shadowy spy networks and hacker rivalries – in a quest to craft a compelling action-thriller. However, despite these ingredients, “Heart of Stone” struggles to deliver a coherent and focused narrative.
While the idea of a secret agent intentionally suppressing her abilities is captivating, and the concept of a clandestine intelligence operation is appealing, the film falls short of weaving these elements into a seamless story. The influx of action scenes, rival hackers, and an overpowering AI tend to overshadow character development and world-building.
If this were an established franchise, the heavy plot load might be more palatable. Unfortunately, the avalanche of ideas prevents the film from effectively building its universe. Although Gadot’s performance injects freshness into the film, her character’s backstory remains cryptic until late in the movie.
“Heart of Stone” falls into the pattern of many high-profile Netflix action movies – a shotgun approach that may hit, but often misses the mark. The film’s potential is held back by an ambitious script that spreads itself thin.
Gadot’s portrayal of a new kind of superspy is a highlight, and her efforts as a producer to create something original are commendable. In a world saturated with sequels, prequels, and adaptations, Rachel Stone is a breath of fresh air – a character unburdened by previous iterations.
As the credits roll on “Heart of Stone,” it’s clear that while the film contains “Heart,” it could have benefitted from a more finely tuned focus and a stronger sense of purpose. With Gadot at the helm, the potential for a thrilling action series is evident, but the debut installment leaves room for improvement.