Neil Burger’s latest venture into filmmaking, Inheritance, delivers a globe-hopping thriller with an eye-catching twist: the entire movie was shot on an iPhone. This unconventional approach sets the stage for a narrative that flits between genres, echoing the gritty aesthetics of mid-2000s indie films. The movie opens on a New York City street, presenting viewers with a raw, guerrilla-style introduction to Maya Welch, played by Phoebe Dynevor. The story follows her personal turmoil, fueled by the recent death of her mother, leading to a night of self-destructive behavior.
Days later, Maya is unexpectedly reunited with her estranged father, Sam, portrayed by Rhys Ifans. His appearance at the memorial service is met with icy reception, yet he extends an olive branch, offering Maya a job that pairs adventure with the potential for reconciliation. Accompanying international investors from Egypt, Maya and Sam embark on a trip that initially mirrors a father-daughter bonding opportunity but soon slips into the realm of suspense and intrigue.
Their journey whisks them to Egypt, where questions about Sam’s past hint at more than familial ties. Sam, it turns out, was once enmeshed in the murky world of international finance and espionage. His history of money laundering and prior involvement with the State Department emerge slowly, adding layers of complexity to their relationship. These confessions could make one wonder if Sam’s intentions are truly paternal or something more clandestine.
With Sam’s sudden abduction by disgruntled former clients, Inheritance pivots sharply into its spy thriller roots. Maya is left to navigate this high-stakes world alone, partnering reluctantly with Sam’s business associate, Khalil, played by Majd Eid. This set-up devises a frantic two-day quest across continents, encapsulating a spy film ethos but with a makeshift, low-budget charm. The international backdrop – spanning from bustling Egyptian markets to busy streets in South Korea – enhances the narrative’s authenticity, while simultaneously disguising the film’s modest production roots.
The script, penned by Burger alongside Olen Steinhauer, dabbles in thrillers’ tropes, with twists perceptible to a seasoned audience. However, it’s Burger’s direction that injects dynamism, capturing tension and urgency through intimate close-ups and roving camera movements, effectively making viewers feel part of Maya’s tense voyage.
While Inheritance may not reinvent the wheel of spy thrillers, it recaptures the essence of a by-gone era of indie cinema. Its unpolished, observational style acts as a nostalgic nod to fans of that genre, offering a raw yet compelling watch.
Closing Credits
Inheritance, slated for release on January 24, 2025, invites audiences into a world where espionage and familial drama intertwine. This project marks another chapter in Neil Burger’s diverse directorial repertoire, with Phoebe Dynevor stepping increasingly into the limelight as a lead actress. Amidst the film’s twists and turns, it is both a homage to indie tradition and a fresh take on storytelling within the thriller landscape.
