Never has the Cold War been quite so cold. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, based on John le Carré's novel of the same name, is a subdued, frigid thriller. Subverting every expectation one may have after a lifetime of watching spy movies, it's an impressively unique portrayal of espionage in film that rightfully garnered a lot of praise upon its release, yet unfortunately has slipped slightly into the annals of time.

One only has to pass an eye over the list of cast members to be immediately engaged. Gathering together some of, if not most of, the finest British actors of this generation in a film all about a time of brooding masculinity, where the killers are made pawns by those men who rank above them in their ivory towers. They cover a wide spectrum of morality, giving the audience several immensely intriguing characters to be invested in.

Of course Gary Oldman is a standout in the leading role as George Smiley. Being a rather introspective character, the thespian Oldman certainly flexes his talent as he can be as intimidating as he is warm, depending on the merest shift of stance, glare in his eyes or the slightest inflections of voice. It's a masterful, restrained performance. I haven't seen The Artist but Jean Dujardin pipped Oldman to the Oscar and it certainly makes me raise an eyebrow. The rest of the cast is phenomenal, with Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and John Hurt all shining particularly bright.

Just as the narrative restrains itself from sensationalism, Tomas Alfredson took a very understated approach. The bleak streets of London, Budapest, and Istanbul are all captured wonderfully by cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema, rendering the oppressive atmosphere of the Iron Curtain in subtly beautiful detail. The production design is top notch, from the costumes to the set design, all contributing to the nostalgic feel of this film perfectly.

It's not an easy film to watch, but immensely rewarding. I often rewinded to make sure I caught every word, as the screenplay is brimming with potential in every single scene. The film's manipulation of chronology adds to its puzzle-box atmosphere, which ultimately comes together in a quaint yet satisfying way.

One of the finest films to emerge from this side of the Atlantic this decade, filled to the brim with immense talent both in front of and behind the camera. It's a must watch for film fans, especially those willing to dip their toe into more demanding cinema.