About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
A gripping and masterful thriller in which an expert tailor (Academy Award winner Mark Rylance) must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.

The Outfit serves as the feature film directorial debut for Graham Moore, who also co-wrote this crime drama along with
Johnathan McClain. Moore won an Oscar for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay in his only other film writing credit, The Imitation Game (2014) starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Being a part of a project that garnered eight Osar nominations should have Moore eager to prove that his writing wasn’t a fluke. Now it’s time to see how he handles more responsibility in the dual role.

While not having as deep of pool of talent this time around, the actors chosen show that they are more than up for the challenge. The Outfit stars seasoned veteran Mark Rylance as the quiet and considerate Leonard, a man with an exceptional eye and the skill to create the perfect suit for anyone that happens to walk into his establishment. Quiet types often have a story of their own, and as this plot plays out, viewers will learn a lot.

Joining Rylance in drawing audiences in, are Zoey Deutch, Dylan O’Brien, Johnny Flynn and a few others that all have a part to play in sneakily complex tale of intrigue and secrets. There isn’t a weak link in the bunch as each character seemingly has a vital role to play. The Outfit works, in part, because of the actors chosen and their dedication to their craft.

The Outfit takes place in a single location, giving it a stage play feel. That’s not to say the film feels small in any way. Through its storytelling it feels much larger and it’s only after the fact, when all is said and done, do you start to realize that you never actually leave Leonard’s place of business. This minimalistic approach actually adds value to the film.

Graham Moore deserves the biggest nod for bringing everything together into one masterfully orchestrated symphony of brilliance that is far from flashy glitz and big-budget types of films we’ve become accustomed to. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a place for those types of films, but it’s also refreshing to receive a change of pace experience such as The Outfit every so often. While you think you know what’s going on and have a handle on what’s happening, there’s still a remaining whisper in your brain wondering if there’s more to the story…and there usually is.

The Outfit is more of a refined experience that doesn’t rush its outcome just for the sake of being done. Settle in and appreciate what Graham Moore is bringing to the screen because it’s quite the enjoyable ride if you sit back and just let it take you there. Clocking in at an ideal 105 minutes, it’s the perfect length to take a trip back to simpler times and lose yourself in a solid, rewarding story. In theaters starting this evening.