![]() There are splashes of Mission: Impossible, National Treasure, and, of course, the Ocean’s films. The motion of events encompassing the heist gave me plenty of entertainment and amusement as a fan of the genre, even if there is nothing particularly unique. L-R: Freddie Highmore as Thom, Sam Riley as James, and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as Lorraine in THE VAULT. The quirky, somewhat socially awkward kid is thrust into an exotic world that tests him mentally, emotionally, and physically as he never has been before. Eventually, Thom accepts Walter’s proposal after hearing his spiel about passion, soccer crowds, and the essentiality (or lack thereof) of life’s adventures. As Walter makes his offer to Thom, he is initially met with skepticism and a few sarcastic, meta quips along the lines of “what do I look like, Danny Ocean?” Yes, The Vault is a heist movie that is well aware of its place in the genre, playing into the tropes with a tongue-in-cheek demeanor that is still not at the cost of earnestness in the storytelling. Thom understands that there are far superior avenues for his brainpower, routes that will legitimately challenge him as a problem solver, allow him to do something worthwhile, and perhaps provide some excitement to boot. But, these talking heads are symptoms of the stifling disease of capitalism. The men in fancy three-piece suits tell him he could do some real good in the world with his gifts and abilities. But, he also happens to be a college-aged kid with no background whatsoever in criminal enterprises.ĭuring the same time that Walter recruits Thom, the young man’s intellectual assets are sought by all the biggest players in energy and oil around the world. Indeed, the fabric of the operation is threaded together by Thom’s wit, instinct, and resolve. And, the central piece of the squad is Thom (Freddie Highmore), “one of the world’s brightest minds, and hopefully, the key to our success,” as described by Walter. Also included is James (Sam Riley), Walter’s old friend and strategic master, along with Simon (Luis Tosar), the self-proclaimed “guy who can get things,” however obscure said things may be. Then, you have Klaus (Axel Stein), the tech expert. There is Lorraine (Astrid Bergès-Frisbey), the stealthy pickpocket who can blend into any persona or role that a delicate situation requires. The fashion in which they are introduced to the viewer makes it seem that the director Balagueró is almost having fun leaning into these archetypes. Climbing the mountain is the best and worst part of it all, but he keeps coming back to it because that is his ultimate passion.Īssisting Walter in his criminal escapades of self-fulfillment are a rather stereotypical crew of heist movie folks in possession of niche skillsets and designated plot devices that will come in handy at just the right moment. ![]() The thrill of the challenge and the action leaves Walter simultaneously energized and fatigued, restored and depleted. The Vault is a story about people who will stop at nothing to do whatever they want to accomplish, even if that only means opening up another door (physically and metaphorically) that restarts the cycle again. This line reminded of Michael Mann’s crime saga classic, Heat, specifically a quote from Al Pacino’s character, Vincent Hanna: “All I am is what I’m going after.” Granted, the degree of obsessiveness that you find in the characters of The Vault is not quite as intense as what you find with the characters in Heat, but the broader thematic parallels are certainly present. As he says in reference to the thousands of soccer fans rooting so fervently for their team, in a reflection of his own motivations and ventures: “Unnecessary. He wants to take back what he believes rightfully belongs to him and his team. Even if the heist of the Bank is successful against overwhelming odds, this is just another rung in the ladder, another piece in the puzzle, another step on the ever-ascending stairway to God-knows-where. The team in question is led by the astute and wizened commander, Walter (Liam Cunningham), an archaeologist who is resentful after the Spanish government has seized his rare find from the wreckage of a sunken ship - a find that could potentially lead to…yet another incredible artifact. L-R: Sam Riley as James, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as Lorraine, Axel Stein as Klaus, Luis Tosar as Simon, and Freddie Highmore as Thom in THE VAULT.
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