Page Eight

Broadcast on PBS's Masterpiece Contemporary series, this crackerjack British spy tale stars Bill Nighy as Johnny Worricker, a world-weary MI5 analyst whose boss (Michael Gambon) shows him a secret file that suggests the slippery prime minister (Ralph Fiennes) was apparently aware of the American torture of prisoners—a practice his government claimed to be in the dark about. The revelation threatens a political firestorm that could engulf M15. Meanwhile, Johnny is approached by his beautiful neighbor, Nancy (Rachel Weisz), a Syrian-born woman who asks for his help in investigating the death of her brother in Israel, the circumstances of which have been covered up. And his estranged daughter, Julianne (Felicity Jones)—an artist who paints distinctly dark canvases—is being stalked by a mysterious young man named Ralph (Tom Hughes). Written and directed by David Hare, Page Eight (the title refers to the section of the report that reveals the PM's duplicity) runs along several narrative tracks simultaneously but cleverly ties them together. Nighy, usually relegated to supporting parts, shines here in a role perfectly tailored to his gift for knowing glances and irritated shrugs, while the strong supporting cast includes some of the royalty of British acting. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)