My quick rating - 5.3/10. I was able to get an advanced look at this micro-budget spy thriller from first-time writer/director George Threadgold, following wounded and hunted spy J.D. (Julian Gamm) as he seeks revenge on the secretive dark agency he once worked for. What unfolds is an espionage thriller with twists, betrayals, and a conspiracy that could change the world.
Right off the bat, the film nails a few key elements that many indie action flicks struggle with. The camerawork is precise and controlled with no headache-inducing shaky cam, just smooth and steady shots that complement the action. The picture quality holds up well, keeping a professional look despite the limited budget. Sound design is another strong point, used effectively to build tension in key moments.
Where "White Crow" stumbles is in the acting. While the script sets up some solid tension, not all performances match the weight of the scenes. That being said, Andrew Rolfe stands out as Charles Mason, delivering a strong and layered performance as the film’s pseudo-antagonist. He brings a presence that adds credibility to the story and helps anchor the film’s darker moments
The movie throws in some sly humor, which helps keep it from feeling overly grim. The espionage elements are handled well enough, there are double-crosses, mysterious motives, and a conspiracy angle that keeps things moving. The locations are used wisely, giving the film a bigger feel than its budget might suggest. However, the fight choreography needed some work. While the effort is there, some of the action sequences lacked fluidity and impact, making them feel a bit staged rather than intense. A more polished approach to the fights would have helped elevate the flick overall.
Ultimately, White Crow is an enjoyable indie effort that lays the groundwork for more stories in its secret society world. The door is wide open for sequels, and with some refinement—particularly in performances, fight choreography and pacing—future entries could be even stronger. Fans of espionage thrillers who appreciate what can be done on a shoestring budget should give this one a look when it hits major streaming platforms.
Nothing is coming up quite yet on Justwatch but be sure to check back. It looks like Plex has this as a freebie.
Thank you to Andrew Rolfe for alerting me to this flick, I look forward to seeing how this all shakes out.
https://jackmeat.com/white-crow-2025/
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