The Outfit - A Movie Review

How many times do I have to tell you? I am a cutter, not a tailor.

The Outfit premiered in theaters in 2022. A murder happens in a tailor shop. Under threat, an expert tailor must outwit a group of mobsters. This night proves to be tricky for every individual who arrives at the shop.

As soon as I watched the preview for The Outfit, I put this film on my watchlist. Viewing it in the cinema, once the lights turned out, excitement illuminated the theater. Well-directed, clever, and sustaining a suspenseful tone, The Outfit achieves its mysterious film noir atmosphere.

This is one of Mark Rylance’s best performances. He does a tremendous job. Leonard’s passion for his career is a significant aspect of his character. His narration was dictated earnestly. Studying all of the nuances of his character, Leonard has a sense of humor and ambiguous nature. And don’t forget, he is a cutter and not a tailor.

The Outfit incorporates a small cast of compelling characters. Certain characters deserved more focus, but nonetheless, The Outfit is a well-acted film. Johnny Flynn is a remarkable actor. I have seen him in a couple of different films, wielding a variety of personalities. He is my favorite of the supporting cast.

Mable (Zoey Deutch) is a mix of innocence combined with an edge that she purposely hides. Most of the characters do that. Never underestimate any of the characters. Deutch was wonderful on her part, but I wish she had a bigger role than what she was given.

Other credits include Dylan O’Brien, Simon Russell Beale, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Alan Mehdizaden, and Chiedu Agborh. The dynamics of the characters are studied well. It added realism. Amuka-Bird had a minor role, but she made an impact with the study of her character.

Graham Moore cleverly directed the atmosphere of The Outfit. He strongly dictated his actors, story, and the setting. That’s my favorite part about it. Everything about this film has a double meaning. Moore created the right tone of suspense. It copied the ingredients of a Hitchcock film, but that only enhances it.

Figuring out a discrete technique to communicate it, this film stays with you. The Outfit is filled with surprises. The title has a double meaning. Moore incorporated humor at the right times. I like his choice of edits and camera angles. The closeups reveal subtle character actions. Background moments were his main focus. He crafted layers of suspense.

Taking place in one setting, the life of a tailor is given the limelight. It’s a nice setting for a mystery. Speaking of which, the costumes add to the story. Wardrobe says a lot about a person. All occupations should be given a chance in the spotlight. Every button that you see sewn onto any piece of fabric was delicately photographed. Be proud of your passions.

The Outfit is an original story. Paced well, the audience who I saw this film with had a good time. Even you aren’t sure of who to trust. Some laughed, while others gasped, and there was excitement. Since I have gone back to the theaters, I have appreciated the audience's reaction all the more.

Be warned that there’s a lot of graphic violence. At one point, I did look away. I wasn't expecting that. Bloody wounds are seen along with depictions of violent deaths.

You need to see The Outfit. I hope that this film gets the attention that it needs. It’s something new that we have not seen in a while. The story keeps you hooked through its duration.