Inheritance initially made me think of that hilarious faux action-trailer in The Holiday. But it’s not that comedic. However, it is more interesting and, at times, realistic than that fake blockbuster. The film follows a young woman, Maya, played by Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton, Fair Play), who is involved in an international espionage fiasco thanks to reuniting with her estranged father. The scope of travel, Phoebe’s performance, and the questions the movie presents keep Inheritance interesting even with the spatters of drag, but little stands out.
Directed by Neil Burger and written by Burger and Olen Steinhauer, the movie starts with establishing Maya’s character. She’s living young and somewhat carefree, but it’s born of loss. Her mother, who she cared for, just passed away, and now she’s figuring out what to do next. That answer comes in the form of her father, Sam, played by Rhys Ifans (House of the Dragon, Venom: The Last Dance), who arrives at the wake and soon offers her a job in real estate. As she lost one parent, and despite her sister’s warnings, she goes with him, seeing it as an opportunity to start her life and travel. Somehow, Inheritance feels chockful of action despite the lack of fight sequences.
Inheritance Paints a Realistic Response to Unknown Danger
Maya’s reaction to the danger is believable. Being in a foreign country, the embassy is the first place for aid, but as risks and circumstances mount up, she has to make decisions, and they never feel foolish. After all, she wants to protect herself and save her father. Recently, losing her mother and reconnecting with her father played a role in her choices. So, there is never a time when audiences scream at her because the setup efficiently captures her mental state while also hammering home that she’s crafty and a talented thief.
Inheritance brings audiences on a journey with Maya as she tries to help her father while figuring out what is happening. Phoebe Dynevor does a good job selling the uncertainty and stress, but the movie does not always handle both aspects well. At times feeling too drawn out with not enough happening. But when the pace shifts, it does entertain.
Some Great Use of Direction That Adds Bits of Tension
While there’s no fisticuffs, there are plenty of chase scenes. Here, the direction shines, taking full advantage of its settings. Some chases, like the one on the scooter, bring audiences heightened stress and worry. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is one thing. But that traffic while in a chase is terrifying. The various settings in different countries amplify discomfort and disorientation because it’s a danger without a home advantage. Inheritance manages to tap into that emotional stress where everyone becomes a question mark with potentially lethal consequences. The lack of actual action and more of a focus on family drama does not detract from the film, but it does shift what the movie is about.
Inheritance is entertaining, and Phoebe does a great job holding the audience’s attention and lending believability to the story. While it uses its shifting locales to maximum effect, it sometimes feels at the expense of the film’s pacing. Although there’s no real action, and it feels less like a thriller than its synopsis teases, it is entertaining. Inheritance forgoes action for drama and chases, and its cast adds to the film’s positives, but it’s not that memorable aside from a few scenes. Still, it’s an enjoyable watch overall.
