What it’s about
Assigned to investigate veteran colleague Robert Hanssen (Cooper), a Russian intelligence expert suspected of sexual deviance, junior G-man Eric O’Neill (Phillippe) actually grows to respect his quarry. Then he uncovers explosive evidence that Hanssen’s been selling government secrets. As the astonishing truth about the older spy’s activities begins to surface, O’Neill’s loyalties to Hanssen and the fundamental ideals and practices of the agency all get called into question.
Why we love it
Based on a true story about one of the worst national-security breaches in FBI history, Ray's engrossing espionage thriller focuses on the inexplicable contradictions in one human being: a devout Catholic and supposed super-patriot who nevertheless coolly decides to betray the country he's sworn to protect. The fabulous Cooper plays Hanssen with a cool, poker-faced detachment, while Phillippe imbues his character with just the right mix of naivete and determination. For smart thrills, fall into this “Breach.”