In the realm of high-stakes espionage thrillers, Anna stands out as a sleek, pulse-pounding tale of deception, seduction, and survival. Directed by Luc Besson and released in 2019, this action-packed film weaves a labyrinthine narrative set against the glittering world of Paris fashion and the shadowy corridors of Cold War-era intelligence agencies. At its center is a young woman whose stunning exterior masks lethal skills, turning love into a weapon, trust into a liability, and every whispered secret into a potential death sentence. With razor-sharp twists that subvert expectations at every turn, the story builds unrelenting tension, culminating in a finale that leaves audiences stunned by its audacious cleverness.
The plot unfolds in a non-linear fashion, jumping between timelines to heighten suspense and reveal layers of intrigue. It begins in late 1980s Moscow, where Anna Poliatova endures a harsh life marked by domestic abuse from her boyfriend Piotr. Desperate for escape, she attracts the attention of KGB recruiter Alex Tchenkov, who sees untapped potential in her intelligence and resilience. Offered a chance at a new life in exchange for service, Anna joins the KGB and undergoes rigorous training in combat, espionage, and manipulation under the stern supervision of Olga, a seasoned and ruthless operative.
Relocated to Paris as cover, Anna poses as an up-and-coming fashion model, her beauty granting her access to elite circles while she executes high-profile assassinations. Her dual existence allows fleeting moments of normalcy—a brief romance with fellow model Maude—but the demands of her handlers grow increasingly oppressive. Promised freedom after five years, Anna soon realizes the KGB has no intention of releasing her. Her path crosses with CIA agent Lenny Miller after a mission exposes her, forcing her into a perilous role as a double agent. Working both sides, Anna navigates romantic entanglements with Alex and Lenny, using seduction as a tool while plotting her escape from the clutches of two superpowers.
The narrative thrives on misdirection, flashing back and forward to recontextualize events. What appears as straightforward missions unravel into elaborate setups, with betrayals piling upon betrayals. A standout sequence involves a restaurant assassination that erupts into chaotic violence, showcasing Anna’s resourcefulness amid overwhelming odds. As stakes escalate, Anna orchestrates a daring plan involving stolen intelligence from both agencies, bargaining for time while setting traps that exploit her handlers’ arrogance. The film’s climax delivers a cascade of revelations, including a faked death and an unexpected alliance, allowing Anna to vanish into anonymity—free, but forever changed by the moral compromises of her world.
Themes of identity, empowerment, and the cost of deception permeate the story. Anna’s journey explores how beauty can be both a trap and a weapon in a male-dominated spy game, while questioning loyalty in a profession built on lies. The glossy allure of fashion contrasts sharply with brutal violence, underscoring the fragility of facades. Besson’s signature style—stylish action, strong female leads, and intricate plotting—infuses the film with addictive energy, making it a thriller that tightens its grip scene by scene rather than relying on explosive outbursts.
The characters are richly layered, blending vulnerability with lethality. Anna Poliatova, the titular protagonist, is a captivating enigma—resilient yet haunted, calculating yet yearning for genuine connection. Her evolution from victim to master manipulator drives the emotional core, as she outsmarts those who underestimate her.
Alex Tchenkov, her KGB handler and lover, embodies charm laced with danger. Initially a savior figure, his affection complicates missions, revealing conflicts between duty and desire. Olga, the formidable KGB superior, is a cold pragmatist with hidden depths, her sardonic wit masking ambition and a grudging respect for Anna’s prowess.
Lenny Miller, the American counterpart, brings intellectual intensity and moral ambiguity. Drawn into Anna’s web, he grapples with professional objectives clashing against personal feelings. Supporting figures like Maude add nuance to Anna’s cover life, highlighting fleeting humanity amid isolation, while antagonists such as KGB chief Vassiliev represent unyielding institutional power.
These characters avoid archetypes through moral gray areas—no one is purely heroic or villainous, reflecting the murky ethics of espionage.
The ensemble cast delivers powerhouse performances that elevate the material. Sasha Luss, in her breakthrough lead role as Anna, commands the screen with poised physicality and subtle expressiveness. A real-life supermodel, she performs most stunts herself, bringing authenticity to fight scenes while conveying inner turmoil through restrained emotion. Her presence—ethereal yet fierce—makes Anna both alluring and intimidating.
Helen Mirren shines as Olga, infusing the role with acerbic authority and unexpected warmth. Her commanding delivery of sharp one-liners and nuanced portrayal of a battle-hardened veteran add gravitas and dark humor, stealing scenes with effortless menace.
Cillian Murphy portrays Lenny Miller with brooding intelligence and quiet intensity. Known for complex characters, he captures the agent’s sharp mind and growing vulnerability, creating electric chemistry in confrontations and intimate moments.
Luke Evans, as Alex, exudes magnetic charisma and underlying volatility. His romantic dynamic with Anna fuels tension, blending passion with professional conflict in a performance that humanizes a potentially stereotypical handler.
Supporting players, including Lera Abova as the vibrant Maude and Eric Godon as the imposing Vassiliev, contribute depth to the ensemble. The cast’s chemistry—particularly the charged interactions among the leads—heightens the seductive danger, making alliances feel precarious and betrayals devastating.
Anna masterfully blends glamour and grit, delivering a spy nightmare where control is illusory and survival demands constant reinvention. Its twists defy predictability, rewarding attentive viewers with a breathless payoff that redefines power dynamics. For those craving intelligent, visually stunning thrillers with unforgettable performances, this film pulls you into its underworld and refuses to release its hold.
