Charlotte Rampling is at her commanding peak in this psychological thriller directed by her son, Barnaby Southcombe. Rampling stars as Anna, a forlorn divorcée who rolls the dice on a stranger at a speed-dating session and ends up entangled in a murder investigation. Further complicating matters is the immediate chemistry she shares with the dishevelled, heartbroken homicide detective (Gabriel Byrne) assigned to the case. Initially bonding over their respective romantic failings, they subsequently find their fates inextricably entwined. London’s abundant shadows and fog create the ideal milieu for this twist-laden affair in which motivations are murky and the truth remains constantly obscured.

Employing Richard Hawley’s swoon-inducing ballads and K.I.D.’s electro-tinged score to great effect, writer-director Southcombe proves highly accomplished at conjuring atmospherics in this vibrant neo-noir. And while Eddie Marsan, Hayley Atwell and Honor Blackman all deliver pitch-perfect supporting performances, it’s Rampling who takes centre stage and dazzles at every turn.

"Rampling slips into the role of grandmother femme fatale with convincing aplomb, aided by abnormally intelligent dialogue that would almost have been at home in a Hollywood film of the 1940s. Her class, wit and breathtaking figure in an evening dress befuddle the smitten detective to the point of compromising the investigation… The love story between the two mature protags feels convincing and possible…"—Deborah Young, Hollywood Reporter