Movie Review: No time to Die

Review by: Aditya Thiyag

Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga

Rating: 4.5/5

No Time To Die is a drama first and an action spectacle second. That’s what makes it a perfect conclusion to Daniel Craig’s run as James Bond.

If there was one word I’d use to describe this film, it would be consequence. Every action Bond takes in this film and in the films prior seems to climax here, and it humanizes the spy icon so much more, allowing viewers to empathize with him. The chemistry between the seasoned actors are a delight to watch, with Daniel Craig and Rami Malek delivering stand out performances in particular. Every other line from Craig’s Bond is a quotable in this film, and Malek’s antagonist in Lyutsifer Safin, while underwritten, is a physical representation of the emotional struggle that takes place between the two central characters – Bond and Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann. The relationship between these two defines the film, and building an action drama around such a well developed love is invigorating for a franchise known for its overtly sexualized female characters. Ben Whishaw as Q and Naomie Harris’ Moneypenny additionally remain entertaining parts of the Bond universe and newcomer Lashana Lynch nails it as the latest “00”.

Despite the focus remaining on the drama, the action is still exhilarating when it occurs. The over the top action sequences constantly toe the line between stylish and goofy in a way that only The Godfather of spy franchises could pull off. Each set piece is wildly different from the last, and the environments feel less like stages that characters are dueling in and work themselves into the action in clever ways.

The 2 hour and 43 minute run time is a tad egregious, but no scene ever really feels like filler. Director Cary Fukunaga pulled out all the stops in terms of giving this universe legitimacy, featuring cameos of characters from previous films which leads to great interactions between Craig and the rest of the cast. With this being Craig’s final outing as the character, this runtime gave the writing team enough time to develop an emotionally charged plot and tie up loose ends within this iteration of James Bond.

While not the most revolutionary of films, No Time To Die is a celebration of Daniel Craig’s James Bond and is a heartfelt thrill ride that must be seen on the big screen.