Despite the Falling Snow

Beginning in Moscow during the frostiest days of the Cold War, this small but nicely formed romantic potboiler stars Rebecca Ferguson as young idealist Katya who works within the communist establishment, spying for the Americans. She strikes up a relationship with rising politician Alexander (Sam Reid) so that she can pass along his secrets, but inevitably heart starts competing with head when she falls in love with him. Decades later, Alexander is living in the US having defected years ago and is now played by Charles Dance. He looks back on the events that forced him to flee Russia and which led to Katya's disappearance, a mystery that he aims to solve with the help of journalist Marina (Antje Traue). It's a taut and talky film, nicely played by all concerned. But given the big themes, it is a rather small affair with few cinematic qualities. It's the sort of film best enjoyed at home on a rainy afternoon, when the Cold War might inspire some cosy nostalgia.