The Outfit is Graham Moore's directorial debut. The crime drama was released on 18th March 2022 and has already garnered critical acclaim. The film has an ensemble cast that includes Zoey Deutch, Mark Rylance, Simon Russell Beale, Dylan O'Brien, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Johnny Flynn. The screenplay has been written by the Academy Award winner Graham Moore, along with Jonathan McClain.

What Is "The Outfit" About?

The Outfit's plot revolves around Mark Rylance who plays the character of an English tailor named Leonard who's based in Chicago. The film is set in the year 1956 where Leonard works at L. Burling Bespoke, located at the famous Savile Row, and he's assisted by Mable who’s played by Zoey Deutch.

The story takes an interesting turn when a group of men walks inside Leonard's shop to try out a couple of suits. However, another group walks in and leaves an envelope inside a letterbox placed at the back of the shop. It is deduced that the mysterious envelopes have been left by Chicago’s notorious gang which is run by Roy Boyle played by Simon Russell Beale.

The plot of the movie intensifies when Richie, played by Dylan O'Brien, gets shot and bursts inside Leonard’s shop one night. That is when Francis, who is Roy's beloved deputy played by Jhonny Flynn, explains that "The Outfit" is a criminal organization that has tipped them about a potential spy in their gang. Things get more complicated when Francis finds a cassette along with a letter and starts looking for ways to listen to it while also searching for Richie.

The Plot Has Several Significant Twists

For a movie that focuses on a lot of bespoke suits and "outfits", the Outfit has several significant twists that have been written brilliantly and intricately by the writer. Even though you will treat your eyes with several suave and elegant bespoke suits, the Outfit’s location revolves around one location where the script covers two nights to let the mystery unfold.

The movie is a treat for crime-mystery lovers. A seemingly "normal" and regular suit cutter from the outside, Leonard has a shop that is used as a drop-off location by a mob.

However, even though Leonard should be seemingly at the brunt of this fiasco, he remains safe through most parts of the movie. Leonard's character will be loved by viewers who are psyched to see intellectual and sociopathic characters. Leonard's intellect will be matched by Roy who leads the mob in the movie. However, Leonard has learned the rules and knows that asking too many questions means calling for trouble.

Zoey Dutch's character Mabel is the perfect blend of innocence and cunningness. At Leonard’s shop, she is assigned to handle customers, mind the customers on the phone, and keep the pocket squares in order. Mabel is desperate to leave the town, but she is struggling to find the right opportunities and her financial issues. Even though messing around with Roy and his men is riddled with danger, finally, Mabel finds Richie the perfect scapegoat for her plan by taking her place in the ongoing operation.

Final Thoughts

Even though "The Outfit" is a shot in a single location, Dick Pope has proven to be an incredibly creative cinematographer by not making the tailor shop look bland, monotonous, and boring. When it comes to the ensemble cast, all have them have acted brilliantly. The screenplay and the way each character has been written off have also played a huge role in adding shades and layers of emotions that are portrayed successfully in the acting.

Whether it's Dylan O'Brien showcasing both arrogance and innocence at the same time with a hint of ambition, or Flynn who, even though has clear anger issues and is evidently very hot-headed, or Mable who is innocent and endearing for the most part but a tigress if need be, every character eventually becomes likable and as a viewer, you can’t help but root for them.

As a member of the audience, you can't help but be pleased with the way that this movie is set out and how it actually turns out to be. The Outfit is a sure-shot crowd-pleaser and the movie is bound to keep the viewers hooked till the very last scene and an aesthetic dive into the historical British aesthetics.