A Call to Spy

More judicious editing and sharper storytelling might have livened it up.

Because its focus is so split, the film lacks the pervasive sense of danger one expects from a spy thriller.

It’s refreshing to come at the spy genre from a different angle and rewarding to be introduced to these extraordinary women. Just don’t expect a pulse-pounder or even a particularly atmospheric, experiential film.

One wishes the movie had been imagined as a limited series, which would give viewers an opportunity to spend more time with these women whose lives were so clearly rich and textured — not to mention, courageous.

In a world hungering for depictions of national valor and compassion, the movie’s variations on heroism are a boon.

An important, compelling story that had to be told.

True stories about brave, everyday people fighting evil powers never go out of fashion, and “A Call to Spy” joins their ranks with ease.

An engrossing and often thrilling spy drama, and a tribute to this courageous and diverse group of women.