The Outfit * * * *

This is the third film I have seen this month which is set in one location, giving the overall impression that it is an adapted stage play, but like Rio Grande, The Outfit was written for the screen.  

It is written and directed by celebrated writer Graham Moore.  He gave us The Imitation Game.  He's got quite a few other awards under his belt too I believe. His experience shows in this tightly constructed work. 

It is set in a tailors shop in Chicago 1956. I guess by keeping it indoors the production was spared the expense of recreating 1950's streetscapes. Also, perhaps by filming in an isolated space it would have helped with the whole Covid thing, which is when this would have been made: Either way, it works.

Yes, I can "cut" to measure.  You'll find out.

In the opening scenes, the principal character Leonard, gives voice over as he explains the procedure to make a gentleman's suit.  His explanation is quite interesting actually.  

We get to meet his "front of house" person, Maude - a pretty girl in her twenties.

His tailoring shop has a side business.  Something that was imposed upon him. There is a box in his workshop where gruff men wearing heavy overcoats and pulled down hats post envelopes and collect envelopes.  They are certainly not the type of people you'd want to get on the wrong side of.

Leonard keeps his nose clean.  He never asks what the envelopes contain or what they are about. Also, some of these men are very good customers: too good to lose, especially The Beale Family.

One evening Leonard is working back when Richie Beale turns up under the care of another man - Francis.  Richie has been shot and they want to take refuge.  They have a briefcase with them. We learn that both the cops and a rival gang are after the contents of the briefcase.  Francis leaves Richie in the care of Leonard.  But later he reappears with Maude.  Then the boss of the Beale gang turns up.

The plot twists continue as do the surprises... and the stakes get higher, especially when the opposing gang also pay a visit.

Sure it can be violent at times (well it is a Gangster movie), but it's also an excellent mystery-thriller with a very fine performance by veteran British actor Mark Rylance as Leonard.