The Imitation Game

Headhunters director Morten Tyldum here takes on the important story of Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), the genius cryptographer who cracked the infamous Enigma code during the Second World War. The film explores his methods, his clashes with colleagues and his homosexuality, which was illegal in Britain at the time and had much to do with the tragic end to his life. The subject matter is potentially dry (particularly as much of the movie is set in a shed) but Tyldum's direction ensures it's an absorbing journey throughout. While the script doesn't allow much exploration of Turing's sexuality, Cumberbatch is outstanding and delivers a career-best performance, betraying his character's innermost feelings through delicate inflections. He also has fine sparring partners in Charles Dance (as Turing's superior), and Keira Knightley as his confidante and fiancée. Fascinating and thrilling, The Imitation Game keeps you gripped by always offering a reminder of what's at stake, as well as exploring the mind of a brilliant but unfairly treated war hero who should never be forgotten.