The Outfit Review: A Riveting Crime Thriller Tailor-Made For Mark Rylance
The Outfit is an old-school crime thriller that takes advantage of having a charismatic ensemble, a brilliant lead in Mark Rylance and a snazzy single location dressed up to the teeth by the production designer.
Set in 1956, the story follows a cutter named Leonard (Rylance), more affectionately known as "English" by the gangsters that use his suit shop as a front for their own crime business. Leonard is based in Chicago with a sophisticated suit shop that caters to the gentleman of the area, and the men who use the place as their own personal post office. Johnny Flynn and Dylan O’Brien play two young gangsters who burst into the shop one night due to the latter being shot in an ambush. What transpires over the next few hours — including the reveal of a tape with recorded evidence of illegal activity — will push Leonard and his unwanted guests to the edge.
As is the case with many films of late, The Outfit suffers a bit in its nearly two-hour runtime that undercuts the tension and momentum of the film. 105 minutes may not seem long, but considering the pacing of this film and how much of it is dedicated to Leonard monologuing, the film could have been a lean 90 minutes and it would have been better for it. That said, the film is a delight to sit through otherwise. There is an ease and confidence with which director Graham Moore brings each element of The Outfit — which Moore co-wrote with Johnathan McClain — together. Fans of Alfred Hitchcock and the golden era of 1950s Hollywood thrillers will enjoy the sumptuous production design and the casual pace at which the film's story unfolds.
Mark Rylance is a gem and he inhabits this role perfectly. The Outfit would not succeed without Rylance’s demure and mysterious performance. The film is tailored specifically to fit the actor as his character navigates a dangerous night with gangsters. The only actor to come close to reaching Rylance’s level is Johnny Flynn as Francis, a young lieutenant who is in every way, shape, and form the opposite of the cutter. The thrilling juxtaposition of these characters carries much of the second act of this film. Flynn may seem more suited for this film over his other co-stars as his Chicago accent is less disparaging than Dylan O'Brien's and a tad bit more prominent than Zoey Deutch’s. However, O’Brien and Deutch, and much of the remaining ensemble cast, have an undeniable charm. Deutch, in particular, is a surprising delight, especially in the third act of the film where she gets more to do. The underutilized, but wonderful Nikki Amuka-Bird makes use of her limited time onscreen and leaves a lasting impression.
The Outfit is an exquisite piece that draws upon crime syndicate and tailor history, rolled up in the luxurious comfort of nice costumes and a perfect production design. Gemma Jackson especially deserves a round of applause for transporting viewers to an elegant suit shop in 1950s Chicago. Aside from the length of the movie, which is made to feel longer than it is, The Outfit is so good it warrants more than one watch. It isn't a typical thriller in the sense that one wonders who is the killer or what is in the briefcase. Rather, the film is merely an examination of Leonard — watching him as he squirms, lies, cheats, fools and fights his way to safety throughout the night. The film is perfect for Rylance and Rylance alone and the actor knocks it out of the park.
The Outfit is an old-fashioned and masterfully crafted crime thriller that makes good use of its setting, charismatic cast and an excellent lead. It is incredibly engaging to watch as the central figure is an enigma worth investigating. As O’Brien’s character dismisses him as just an old tailor, the audience is well aware that there is more than meets the eye for the well-spoken gentleman, whose cherished pair of shears are as sharp as his wit and tongue.
The Outfit released theatrically on Friday, March 18. The film is 105 minutes long and is rated R for violence and strong language.