The direction of The Painter feels like an independent version of a James Bond flick. However, this CIA thriller has many realistic tactics and actions. The moving parts gradually come together to make for one invigorating sensation. The Painter was a spot-on, unforgettable experience. The film is a stylized ride that dives into the depths of an overwhelming mission on a dark trail.

The Painter begins at a restaurant in Seattle, Washington. It focuses on the main character Peter (played by Charlie Weber), a former CIA Operative. In the opening sequence, he is very aware of his surroundings and the audience can sense the tension. Byrne (played by Jon Voight), Peter’s adopted father,joins him in the restaurant. Byrne has been there for Peter’swhole life following a tragic accident at a young age which caused Peter a minor loss of hearing. Over the years, Byrne has helped Peter learn the ropes as a CIA operative and walks Peter through his next mission while at the restaurant. Peter must stop an espionage scenario that will unleash dangerous information and put many at risk. The mission does not go according to planand causes Peter’s wife Elena (played by Rryla McIntosh) to fall off the grid and causes Peter to vanish as well.

The film jumps to many years after this catastrophe. Peter spends his time at his home in Cascade, Oregon, where he uses painting to cope with the tragedy of Elena’s disappearance. The world of espionage and cybersecurity reminds Peter of his past as a CIA operative, and his previous tragedies drive his motivation to gear up for what dangers might come his way.

Sophia (played by Madison Bailey), Elena’s daughter, comes into Peter’s life. The Painter is a thriller of hidden secrets that emerge slowly. There is not much context given to explain Elena’s disappearance, but that does not stop the film from being captivating. Peter keeps trying to insist to Sophia that they arenot related because he is trying to remain rogue. It is not long, however, until more treacherous moments arise.

An unexpected ambush at Peter’s home after Sophia’s arrival sets the suspense of The Painter in motion. The CIA is after Peter and Sophia and Sophia is now Peter’s responsibility. No one can be trusted, no one is safe, and there are limited places to hide in The Painter. Byrne is still heavily associated with the CIA and connected to other authorities…but will he protect Peter and Sophia? The writing in the film stays faithful as thecharacters keep their guards up. When Byrne tells Peter, “I’m the only one who can protect you,” the audience wonders how true that statement is because The Painter is a master puzzle of madness.

There is a dynamic of good guys vs. bad guys with layers of relentless peril that is relentless. Peter must stop the enemies after him, protect Sophia, find out what happened to Elena, and trust no one. There will be a lot of wet paint in The Painter. Peter’s only weakness is his minor hearing loss…but he is still reckless. His two biggest enemies are Ghost (played by Max Montesi) and Piasecki (played by Marie Avgeropoulos). They follow Peter and Sophia’s every move like helicopters. The mission is life threatening and creates a constant chaos of thrills.

The term “critical redundancy” is used in the film which means it is important to have an essential backup. Is it enough to protect Peter and Sophia? Can it also link back to where Elena may be? There is a puzzle to the CIA mission that flows throughout the story.

The Painter is mesmerizing. Voight and Weber both deliver monumental performances. I was on the edge of my seat thanks to the cat-and-mouse game that leaves hidden traps throughout the film. I was blown away by the resolutions in The Painter. Peter’s past mission has one irreparable consequence awaiting. Will he survive? Find out in The Painter. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.