Anna, directed by Luc Besson, is a sleek and action-packed thriller that tells the story of a highly skilled assassin navigating a web of espionage, deceit, and power. The film stars Sasha Luss as Anna Poliatova, a young woman forced into a life of violence and manipulation as she works as a covert operative for both the KGB and the CIA. The film's pacing, intricate plot twists, and stunning action sequences make it a gripping ride for viewers.
Through flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, Anna explores themes of agency, survival, and double-crossing. At its core, the movie portrays Anna’s struggle to reclaim her freedom from the dangerous world she finds herself trapped in. With star-studded performances by Helen Mirren (Olga), Luke Evans (Alex Tchenkov), and Cillian Murphy (Leonard Miller), the film has all the ingredients of a high-stakes espionage thriller.
Movie Summary: The Life of a Reluctant Assassin
The story centres on Anna Poliatova (Sasha Luss), a woman living a grim and desolate life in Russia. Seemingly stuck in a dead-end situation, she is soon recruited by the KGB, where she is trained to become one of their top assassins. Under the command of Olga (Helen Mirren), a no-nonsense handler, Anna carries out high-risk missions for the agency. The film shifts between different timelines to show how Anna transforms from an ordinary woman into a lethal operative.
Despite her success as an assassin, Anna begins to crave freedom from the dangerous life she’s been forced into. In her quest for liberation, she strikes a deal with the CIA, led by agent Leonard Miller (Cillian Murphy). The tension rises as Anna juggles her dual roles as a KGB agent and a CIA asset, playing both sides against each other in a bid to escape the life of violence.
The non-linear storytelling adds layers to Anna’s character, allowing viewers to piece together her motivations and her past as they follow her through various twists and turns. Ultimately, the film builds to a tense climax as Anna attempts to break free from the clutches of both the KGB and the CIA, seeking her own destiny in a world of deception and betrayal.
Why Anna Faked Her Death?
One of the film’s most dramatic moments comes when Anna fakes her own death in an attempt to escape the web of espionage that has consumed her life. By this point in the film, Anna is under immense pressure, caught between two powerful agencies with conflicting agendas. She has grown tired of being a pawn in their games and begins planning her escape, knowing that both the KGB and the CIA will never willingly let her go.
Faking her death becomes the ultimate survival strategy for Anna. She uses it as a way to break free from the constant surveillance and manipulation she faces from both organizations. In a world where everyone is either an asset or a target, disappearing is the way Anna can truly regain control of her life.
Her decision to fake her death is not just an act of self-preservation but also a form of rebellion against the oppressive systems that have exploited her skills and stripped her of her freedom. By staging her own demise, Anna hopes to erase her past and forge a new identity, far away from the world of espionage.
Why Did Olga Let Anna Escape?
Olga, Anna’s KGB handler, is portrayed as a strict and calculating figure throughout most of the film. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Olga’s relationship with Anna is more complex than it initially appears. Despite her rigid demeanour, Olga seems to harbour a certain level of respect, and perhaps even empathy, for Anna.
In the climactic scene, after Anna has successfully faked her death and is on the verge of escaping, it is Olga who ultimately allows her to go. This moment is pivotal because it reflects Olga’s understanding of Anna’s desperation and her desire for freedom. While Olga is loyal to the KGB, she is also pragmatic and recognizes that Anna has outgrown her role as a mere operative. Olga knows that continuing to control Anna would be both dangerous and counterproductive.
There is a subtle acknowledgment that Olga herself might once have been in a similar position—forced to navigate the treacherous world of espionage with little control over her own fate. Letting Anna escape can be seen as a small act of defiance against the very system Olga has been a part of for so long. In the end, she chooses to grant Anna the freedom she so desperately seeks, perhaps recognizing that this young assassin deserves a second chance at life.
The Ending of Anna Explained
The ending of Anna ties together the intricate web of deception that has been carefully built throughout the film. After faking her death, Anna manages to outwit both the KGB and the CIA, effectively disappearing and leaving her past behind. This final twist reveals the full extent of Anna’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination.
The ending is particularly satisfying because it shows that Anna has been playing the long game all along. Throughout the film, she is seen as a victim of circumstances, manipulated by powerful figures like Olga and Leonard Miller. However, the final scenes reveal that Anna has always been in control of her own destiny. She was never just a pawn in the espionage game—she was a master strategist, orchestrating her own escape from the very beginning.
Anna’s escape is a fitting conclusion to her journey. After years of being used as a tool by the KGB and the CIA, she finally gains her independence. The ending is empowering because it shows that, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her, Anna was able to outmanoeuvre two of the most powerful intelligence agencies in the world.
Viewers' Reaction to the Ending
The ending of Anna sparked mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike. Some praised the film for its clever twists and strong lead performance by Sasha Luss. The non-linear storytelling, combined with the sleek action sequences, kept audiences engaged and intrigued throughout the film. Many viewers appreciated the fact that Anna was able to take control of her own fate, with the ending serving as a testament to her strength and resilience.
However, others felt that the film’s complex plot and shifting timelines made it difficult to follow at times. The constant back-and-forth between different points in Anna’s life left some viewers confused, while others felt that the character development could have been stronger. The ending, while satisfying in its own right, left a few viewers with lingering questions about what Anna’s future would hold after escaping the clutches of the KGB and the CIA.
Overall, the reaction to the ending was largely positive, with audiences enjoying the film’s unique blend of action, intrigue, and character-driven drama. The final twist, in which Anna fakes her death and escapes to freedom, was seen as a fitting and empowering conclusion to the story.
Anna Conclusion: A Cleverly Crafted Thriller
Anna is a film that stands out in the espionage genre due to its intricate plot, strong performances, and thrilling action sequences. Sasha Luss shines in the lead role, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her portrayal of a woman caught in a deadly game of manipulation and betrayal. With its stylish direction and clever twists, Anna keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The film’s exploration of freedom, identity, and survival adds depth to the story, making it more than just a straightforward action movie. The ending, in which Anna fakes her death and escapes her life of violence, is a satisfying conclusion to her journey of self-liberation. It highlights the importance of agency and control in a world where power is constantly shifting and no one can be trusted.
For fans of the spy thriller genre, Anna delivers a fast-paced and gripping experience, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most seasoned viewers guessing. The film’s unique approach to storytelling, combined with its strong lead character, makes it a memorable and engaging watch. Whether you’re drawn to the action, the intrigue, or the character development, Anna offers something for everyone.
