Gal Gadot and director Tom Harper attempt to launch another action franchise in Netflix’s Heart of Stone. Greg Rucka and Allison Schroeder pen the film’s screenplay, introducing us to Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot), an inexperienced tech on an elite MI6 unit headed by lead agent Parker (Jamie Dornan).
Her MI6 team doesn’t know Stone works for the Charter — a covert peacekeeping organization, secret even from other spies, using cutting-edge technology to neutralize global threats. Rachel has been trained to be the consummate professional: a phenomenal field agent who sticks to the mission follows the numbers, and trusts no one. When a routine task is derailed by mysterious hacker Keya Dhawan (Alia Bhatt), Rachel’s two lives collide. As she races to protect the Charter and strives to beat the odds, her humanity might be her most significant asset.
The most recent action movie released by Netflix has been dramatically enhanced by the skilled direction of Tom Harper and the use of some awe-inspiring visual effects. However, the captivating on-screen chemistry between the two lead actors, Jamie Dornan and Gal Gadot, elevates this film. Their dynamic and engaging performances breathe life into the story, making it a worthwhile experience at home.
If all the positive elements of the film are lame somewhere, it is that we have seen them before, and we have seen many of them in better versions. Despite lacking standout qualities, I still found the film enjoyable and fulfilling. Gadot’s performance is dedicated and captivating, immersing herself completely in the action.
While it may not leave a lasting impression or urge repeat viewings, the time spent watching it is thoroughly entertaining, especially in the company of Rachel Stone.
Final Grade: C+
Heart of Stone is available to stream now on Netflix.
After achieving success with “Presumed Innocent,” Apple TV+ is now giving another ’90s thriller the miniseries treatment in “Cape Fear.”
After months of anticipation, Showtime returns viewers to the Windy City for one last hurrah as “The Chi” kicks off its final season. In the past, viewers longed to escape from characters disappearing and drifting storylines. However, the show has always kept me invested.
Picking up after Coop (Jon Hamm) narrowly avoids prison, the season finds him still navigating moral gray areas, even after realizing that Sam (Olivia Munn) framed him for murder. His relationship with ex-wife Mel (Amanda Peet) remains complicated—emotionally unresolved yet intentionally restrained. The show avoids easy resets, allowing its characters to grapple with the discomfort they’ve created.