The Key: A messy, moody look at history

Is this for you?

If you like movies that lean into the quiet, slightly damp corners of history, you might find this one interesting. But if you’re looking for a tight, high-octane war thriller, stay away. This is slow. It’s heavy on the stares and short on the actual action.

William Powell is great, as usual. He plays the British officer with this kind of tired, resigned look in his eyes that makes you feel like he’s already over the whole mess before the first act finishes. He’s stuck in a conflict he didn't ask for, dealing with an ex-girlfriend who has moved on to a life that puts them on opposite sides of the fence.

The vibe is... damp

There’s something about the way this movie captures the tension in Ireland. It feels like everyone is walking on eggshells. You can almost smell the rain on the wool coats. It reminded me a bit of the suffocating, dreamlike quality you find in Häxan, though the subject matter is worlds apart. It’s all about the atmosphere.

The pacing is a bit of a disaster, honestly. Sometimes a scene will just sit there, dragging on, while characters look at each other like they’re waiting for a train that isn’t coming. It makes the whole experience feel very uneven. One minute you’re hooked, the next you’re checking your watch.

• The dialogue is often way too on-the-nose for my taste.
• The chemistry between Powell and the lead actress feels weirdly muted, like they’re both afraid to wake the neighbors.
• Some of the Irish set pieces look like they were built in a garage, but they somehow work.

Small details

I couldn't help but notice the way the light hits the back of the set in the pub scenes. It’s stark, almost aggressive. It contrasts heavily with the soft-focus romantic stuff, which feels a bit like a relic from Let Us Be Gay. It’s like two different movies glued together with tape.

There’s a moment near the middle where a character just drops a glass. It shatters, and nobody says a word for like five full seconds. It’s bizarre. It feels like the director just forgot to yell 'cut' and they kept it in because it felt 'real.' Maybe it was. Maybe it was just a mistake. Either way, it stuck with me.

If you’re a fan of old-school cinema that doesn't mind showing its cracks, give it a go. Just don't expect a polished history lesson. It’s far too messy for that. 🌧️