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These are people who have made off with their former companies secrets but now want their lives back.
Ash and the people he works for provide that guarantee in exchange for generous payments from both sides.
Hes both foot-soldier and guardian angel, quiet and ruthless.
Frankly, this is agreatidea for a corporate espionage thriller.
It also provides a novel way to keep the protagonists apart while allowing them to communicate.
The conceit of the telecommunications relay gives the movie a tense mood unlike any other.
We see their faces as they read his messages: Are they concerned?
Is this kind of calm, vocally uninflected professionalism simply part of the job?
(She never sees him, but we do.)
Do they do it because one is deaf, or because they fear theyre being eavesdropped on?
The film works its paranoia on us through both atmosphere and narrative incident.
The contrast in framing seeps into our brains and reinforces the characters perilous states.
But it also creates an emotional bond.
Sarah sees comfort and security in Ash; he sees connection in her.
The stuff of true cinematic longing.
At least, for a while.
But still, up until then wow.
