‘The Outfit’ review: Finally, a gangster movie that doesn’t suck
nypost.comGotti,” Tom Hardy in “Capone,” the entirety of “The Kitchen.” Made-man misery.Running time: 105 minutes. Rated R (language throughout and some bloody violence).
In theaters.You wouldn’t think a modest little film like “The Outfit” would reverse the downward trend, but writer/director Graham Moore’s movie wakes us up like being forcibly thrown into the Hudson at gunpoint.The main character, Leonard (Mark Rylance), isn’t even an American — he’s a kindly British suit maker (he finds the word “tailor” demeaning) who relocated to Chicago in the 1940s under mysterious circumstances.Leonard is meek and attentive; a keen listener who can sense what the perfect coat is for every unique personality.
But there’s a dark side to his crisp navy suits. Leonard’s bespoke shop is used for the local mob boss’ (Simon Russell Beale) backroom deals, which he allows so long as he and his front-desk attendant Mabel (Zoey Deutch) are protected.One night, the boss’ son Richie (Dylan O’Brien) and capo Francis (Johnny Flynn) storm in.
Richie has been shot in the stomach by a rival gang and Leonard is tasked by Francis with protecting a briefcase containing a tape recording of a rat blabbing about their misdeeds.What unfolds has more in common with a British whodunit than “Goodfellas.” The story isn’t fun, per se, but it’s sprightly and engrossing.
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