REVIEW: Christopher Plummer Shines in The Exception

Romance and espionage are key in the big-screen debut from British stage director David Leveaux’s new film, The Exception. Set during World War II, the story follows Captain Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney), a wounded German soldier who takes on protection detail for Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser has been exiled from Holland after the German’s defeat in World War I and Brandt’s job is secretly investigate Wilhelm. At the Kaiser’s estate Brandt meets Mieke (Lily James), a secretly Jewish servant, and soon the lines between doing what is right for his country and what is right for himself are blurred.

The film is beautifully shot and it shows Leaveaux isn’t a newcomer to big-screen production. The story, while on paper seems another run of the mill World War II drama, is actually quite charming.
The romance between Brandt and Mieke leads the way, with the spy games and war drama playing second fiddle. At times this slows the pace of the film, but the impressive cast makes up for it in the end.

Jai Courtney and Lily James, as lovers Brandt and Mieke, shine. Their chemistry is tangible and together they bring joy to the screen, but it is Christopher Plummer who steals the show. Christopher as Kaiser Wilhelm II commands attention and catches the eye, even when he is not the focus of the scene.

For those interested in this film, it is perfect for a rainy summer afternoon. For everyone else, it’s definitely worth checking out when it arrives to On Demand.

Grade: B