This spy thriller is more about spy-relationships with hardly any thrills. It's a very slow burn, and I can see how many would become impatient. I'm also not a fan of timeline back and forths, and this has many, and more than just two timelines. However, although not perfect, the timelines are what kept me intrigued to continue to watch, as they revealed small pieces of the puzzle throughout. The reward at the end is worth it imo, I just wish the felt-longer 101 min runtime with slow pacing had been shorter and faster. Huge credit goes to Pine and Newton for their exceptional performances, and another reason why I didn't throw in the towel mid-way, plus adding Fishburne and Pryce into the mix was a bonus. So if you don't go into this expecting a James Bond action spy thriller, and have the patience, you may enjoy it once it reaches the end. All the Old Knives had sharp performances, but the story-telling was dull and needed much sharpening. It's a 7.5 rounded up to an 8/10 from me.

All the Old Knives is a slow burn espionage thriller where CIA analyst Henry Pelham (Chris Pine) has been tasked to find a mole.

Eight years earlier in 2012. A plane hijacking in Vienna led to the deaths of all the passengers, crew and terrorists on board.

Information has come to light that someone in the agency's Vienna station leaked information to the terrorists about a pending attack by the security forces to free the hostages.

Pelham was also stationed at the Vienna station and he needs to track down his fellow colleagues. One of them is his former lover Celia Harrison (Thandiwe Newton.)

She left the agency, got married and now lives in Carmel on Sea, wine country. Both meet at a restaurant and go over the events and both have different recollections.

Based on the novel by Olen Steinhauer. The story owes more to Le Carre but it lacks spark. It is long on exposition, the twin timelines can be confusing.

There is a flaw as to why Pelham has been assigned this task when he should also be a suspect. It robs the movie of intrigue.

Several actors are wasted on smaller roles but at least both Pine and Newton have some intense scenes.

Definitely a 7 or more. Right now showing a 6 is very underated. Great acting by both Newton and Pine. Keeps you interested throughout. I'd recommend for sure.