Movies

Benedict Cumberbatch’s “intense” ’60s-set spy thriller gets new UK streaming home

BBG News

Benedict Cumberbatch’s ’60s-set spy thriller The Courier has found itself a new UK streaming home.

In 2020, a movie was made that tells a true story. It centers around Oleg Penkovsky, a Russian intelligence colonel who becomes disillusioned with the Khrushchev regime and chooses to share information with both the CIA and MI6, aiming to prevent a potential nuclear war.

As a humble gamer, I found myself unknowingly recruited by the clandestine organization that was then known as the Secret Intelligence Service. They saw my seemingly ordinary life as a businessman as an advantage, using me as their intermediary in something far beyond the realms of video games and strategy.

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As I soar through the skies, evading the watchful eye of the Soviets, at first, everything seems to be going smoothly according to plan. But as time passes, the tension and strain begin to wear me down.

After being aired on BBC Two last night, July 13th, you can now stream the movie on BBC iPlayer.

The film, titled “The Courier,” boasts an impressive 85% positive rating from 215 critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The Spectator has labeled it as a “superbly tense and gripping story,” while the London Evening Standard found its most poignant moments to be eerily haunting.

On IMDb, it has an average rating of 7.2 (out of 10), based on 382 user reviews, indicating a generally favorable response from fans.

One audience member described the film as delivering a thrilling, confined sensation, and they found it particularly engaging when viewed on a compact display.

A critic noted that Benedict Cumberbatch delivered one of his finest acts so far, making it a standout performance overall. Meanwhile, another review singled out Merab Ninidze from ‘Conclave’ and Rachel Brosnahan from ‘Superman’ for their exceptional performances.

Right now, Benedict Cumberbatch is working on several upcoming ventures, one of which is the dark comedy “The Roses,” starring an impressive ensemble that includes Olivia Colman and Andy Samberg. This film is set to hit theaters on August 29.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of movies, I’ve come across an intriguing title called “Blood on Snow.” Unlike the usual action-packed flicks I’m used to, this one is a gripping crime thriller. Interestingly enough, it’s Cumberbatch who takes over the role that was originally intended for Tom Hardy – quite a switch indeed! However, unlike in my favorite games where I can instantly jump into the action, I’ll have to wait a bit longer as this movie is yet to hit the silver screen.

The Courier is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

The latest print edition from Digital Spy is available now! You can purchase the “Oasis – Live in ’25” issue from your local newsstands or online, with a price tag of only £8.99.

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2025-07-14 18:49

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