Introduction
Anna isn’t just another pretty face with a gun — though it definitely leans into that trope at first. Directed by Luc Besson (of La Femme Nikita and Lucy fame), this 2019 action-thriller mixes espionage, revenge, and style into a sharp-edged story about a deadly assassin with secrets of her own.
It’s slick, stylish, and full of twists — and while it might feel familiar at times, it knows how to keep things interesting.
Plot Summary
The film kicks off in late-80s Russia, where Anna Poliatova (played by Sasha Luss) is discovered as a model — but her modeling career is just a cover. Behind the beauty lies a trained KGB killer who’s been shaped into a weapon.
The story jumps timelines, revealing layers of double-crosses and shifting loyalties between the KGB and the CIA. As Anna tries to claw her way to freedom from a life of killing, she plays both sides — and maybe even beats them at their own game.
It’s part spy thriller, part femme fatale fantasy, and part revenge story — told with style and sharp pacing.
Cast and Characters
- Sasha Luss as Anna – stylish, icy, and surprisingly solid in her first big role
- Luke Evans as KGB handler Alex
- Cillian Murphy as CIA agent Lenny
- Helen Mirren as Olga – the hard-as-nails KGB boss with some scene-stealing moments
Helen Mirren, in particular, is having a blast in this one. And Cillian Murphy brings that slick, layered intensity he’s known for.
Reviews and Ratings
Anna wasn’t a massive hit, and reviews were mixed — mostly because critics felt the story was a bit too familiar. But if you’re into action, spies, and watching a woman dismantle entire rooms of enemies in heels, you’ll probably have a good time.
- IMDb: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 33% Critics, 75% Audience
- Metacritic: 40/100
Definitely more of a cult-favorite vibe than a critical darling.
Why You Should Watch
- Stylish Action: Fight scenes are sharp and well-shot.
- Female-Led Spy Thriller: Think Atomic Blonde meets Nikita.
- Twisty Timeline: Keeps you guessing with nonlinear storytelling.
- Solid Cast: Helen Mirren and Cillian Murphy elevate the whole thing.
Where to Watch
You can stream or rent Anna (2019) on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV / Google Play
- Vudu / YouTube Movies
Final Thoughts
Anna isn’t rewriting the spy thriller rulebook, but it is a fast-paced, stylish watch with enough twists and attitude to keep you entertained. It’s that kind of movie where the lead looks like she walked off a runway — and then takes out a room full of agents in under a minute. What’s not to love?
Checkout our other movie reviews here.
