‘The Infiltrator’ review: “Brilliantly performed.”

Strange how some things become popular, but right now it’s the turn of 1980s cocaine culture, and more specifically the battle against Columbian drug baron Pablo Escobar. With Escobar himself being immortalised in the hit show Narcos, The Infiltrator takes a look at what could (and may) make up a subplot in the hit show. It’s a dangerous move when Narcos is so highly praised, but this is a tale with plenty of bite and intrigue of its own. Besides, get Bryan Cranston as your lead and you are good to go.

Cranston plays the opposite to Walter White, Robert Mazur, a hard on drugs undercover agent who forgoes retirement for the most dangerous case of his career. Rather than hitting Pablo Escobar hard in the drug department, he decides it would be wise to go after the money, leading to Mazur setting up the false identity of business tycoon Bob Musella. With latino live-wire agent Emir Abreu (John Leguizamo) helping to build bridges, the two soon make their way to the top of Escobar’s money men in the form of smooth and sultry Roberto Alcaino (Benjamin Bratt).

Anyone reading the synopsis will have a fair idea of what the film contains. It is, in many ways, a generic undercover thriller. We’re hit with tense moments of uncertainty as it appears Mazur’s cover may be blown. Mazur must deal with balancing his real life and undercover life, and there are hints that Mazur enjoys the lifestyle to an extent. These may be familiar but they are also there for a reason, and when they are executed this well the similarities with other stories can be forgiven.

Leading the charge is Cranston’s fantastic portrayal as Robert Mazur. He’s obsessive without becoming distant, in over his head without appearing naive, and dedicated to his deception without becoming lost. Cranston’s humanity makes Mazur more of an everyman, while Leguizamo’s charisma and unhinged escapades contrast splendidly for what you wish could have been more of a buddy-cop comedy. We admire Abreu’s ability to handle any situation and adapt to the lifestyle, while also admiring Mazur’s refusal to lose himself when in a position to cheat on his wife. Bratt also brings phenomenal intimidation, while keeping his seductive relatable qualities. You never question why anyone could fall for Alcaino, or this lifestyle, because Bratt sells every moment as a loving family man. Still, you wouldn’t mess with him.

Director Brad Furman returns to the promise of The Lincoln Lawyer that vanished with the forgettable Runner Runner, by seeing how certain scenes have played out in other films, and keeping the focus on character rather than story. Like the investigation itself, things are kept centralised on this smaller substory, rather than trying to educate us too much about the bigger drug war. It’s a smart move which highlights the importance and difficulties of such a case. There appears to be genuine heartbreak by the end, and only the heartless will fail to feel a little deceived by Mazur, no matter how honourable he may be. Brilliantly performed, and highly enjoyable, The Infiltrator is a strong addition to undercover cop films, but don’t expect anything new…just expect it to be done well.

The Infiltrator review by Luke Ryan Baldock, September 2016.

The Infiltrator is released in the UK on Friday 16th September.