The first few minutes of The Tourist make it seem like a straight action thriller. It’s cool and gritty, with Jamie Dornan ably playing the role of strong but likable leading man. Then ever so subtly, it shifts its tone into something more playful and wholesome, then shifts back to dangerous territory. The back-and-forth feels jarring at first, almost like we’re seeing the show discover what it should be in real time. But eventually, it settles into a comfortable and confident rhythm, one that’s difficult not to watch. The funny bits are care of silly townie humor and that dry Australian wit, while most of the high-intensity action is thanks to Dornan (though he delivers amusing zingers too, especially when paired with Shalom Brune-Franklin). The Tourist seems designed to reel in broad viewers with different tastes, and it does just that thanks to its strong performances and nicely balanced tone.
Synopsis
When a man wakes up in the Australian outback with no memory, he must use the few clues he has to discover his identity before his past catches up with him.
Storyline
After surviving a car crash in Australia, an Irishman forgets everything about his past, including his name. Thankfully, a friendly constable and a mysterious woman help him recover his memories.
TLDR
It’s like Bourne Identity if took itself less seriously—what’s not to like!
What stands out
Casting directors, please Danielle Macdonald in more things! She’s a delight here, the light amid the show’s many dark moments.
