Netflix’s latest offering, “Heart of Stone,” ambitiously attempts to establish Gal Gadot as the face of a new spy franchise. However, this film, while showcasing sporadic moments of solid action, struggles to fully harness Gadot’s undeniable charisma, leaving the viewer with a lukewarm experience. The movie, though inoffensive, feels like a lackluster addition to the “You might like” section on the platform, failing to truly capture its audience.
The intriguing premise of the film introduces Gadot as Rachel Stone, a fresh recruit at Britain’s MI6, assigned to support field operatives by providing essential intel from the safety of a surveillance van. Unbeknownst to her MI6 colleagues, Stone is secretly a highly skilled operative for the legendary Charter, a shadowy spy network that relies on a sophisticated AI called the Heart. The Charter’s enigmatic figures, identified only by playing-card monikers, include Stone’s authoritative boss (played by Sophie Okonedo) and a tech genius (portrayed by Matthias Schweighöfer), who supplies real-time data through an advanced device reminiscent of “Minority Report” and “Person of Interest.”
This clandestine activity remains hidden from Stone’s MI6 team, led by Parker (Jamie Dornan, well-known from his “Fifty Shades of Grey” days), as they pursue a talented hacker (Alia Bhatt of “RRR”) during a captivating pre-credit sequence set in the scenic Italian Alps.
However, just when “Heart of Stone” seems to take an intriguing turn, the film veers into a convoluted web of spy conflicts, leaving viewers wanting more than what’s delivered. The narrative traverses international locations, allowing Stone to unleash her skills and face challenges. Directed by Tom Harper (whose previous streaming effort, “The Aeronauts,” faced similar challenges), the movie capitalizes on Gadot’s likability but lacks the distinct qualities needed to elevate it beyond the shadow of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.
In contrast, Gadot’s previous Netflix venture, “Red Notice,” infused playfulness and humor into the genre, something that “Heart of Stone” sorely lacks. Even the more memorable sequences, such as the blimp scene, struggle to justify enduring the entirety of the film.
While Gadot proves herself as a compelling lead, the movie falters due to its disjointed structure and limited backstory, making it challenging to differentiate Stone from countless other cinematic spies.
In the end, “Heart of Stone” feels like a puzzle assembled from borrowed pieces. Despite its good intentions, the final result doesn’t quite hit the mark, leaving audiences with a slightly mismatched experience.
