Ralph Fiennes plays a mild-mannered British diplomat in Kenya who is stunned by the news of his wife Tessa’s (Rachel Weisz) sudden death while in the company of another man. He sets off to investigate the suspicious death––and secret life–-of his late wife, within a tangle of personal betrayals, political threats, and corporate conspiracies. This film presents an exquisite contrast between Justin’s (Fiennes) gentle, contemplative demeanor and the progressively gripping details he uncovers; between rapturous romanticism and darkly corrupting interests. It’s a touching, smart, and suspenseful feast of a movie.
"The fact that none of the above is satisfactorily answered, and that we nevertheless emerge from the movie feeling nourished and stirred, is a tribute to Meirelles and, of course, to le Carr."
— Anthony Lane
"... Ralph Fiennes gives one of the year's subtlest, yet most exciting, screen performances ..."
— Ken Tucker
Justin Quayle is a low-level British diplomat who has always gone about his work very quietly, not causing any problems. But after his radical wife Tessa is killed he becomes determined to find out why, thrusting himself into the middle of a very dangerous conspiracy.
Oscars
1 win, 3 nominations
Cannes
1 win
Venice
1 win
Golden Globes
1 win, 2 nominations
BAFTA
1 win, 9 nominations
SAG Awards
1 win
WGA
1 nomination
European Film Awards
1 nomination
Goya Awards
1 nomination