Imperium (I) (2016) User Reviews (148)

Hints at a more interesting film than is delivered

[tomgillespie2002 · 6/10 · 17 October 2016]

With one of the most recognisable faces in the world, Daniel Radcliffe seems to be making a full-throttle effort not to go down the same road taken by many child actors, and has tried to cast as wide a net as possible when it comes to film roles. Whether it be a man sprouting horns in, erm, Horns (2013), a hunchbacked assistant in Victor Frankenstein (2015) or a farting corpse in this year's Swiss Army Man, his desire to shake shake off the ghost of Harry Potter is nothing but admirable. With Imperium, there's no extravagant make-up or gimmick to hide behind, or in fact any hair, as he convinces as a bookish FBI agent turned white supremacist infiltrator.

While it certainly doesn't match the intensity of Russell Crowe in Romper Stomper (1992). Edward Norton in American History X (1998) or Ryan Gosling in The Believer (2001) - movies all set within the same world - it is undoubtedly Radcliffe's finest performance. When we first meet his character, Nate Foster, he is bespectacled and brown- suited, taking a literal back-seat as the Bureau successfully entrap a suspected terrorist. We then see what he can offer, speaking fluently in Arabic and using his people skills to settle the suspect down enough to talk. With caesium-137 on the loose and Middle Easterners the target, Nate's boss Angela Zamparo (Toni Collette) feels the FBI have forgotten that threats also lurk from within, and turns her focus instead to a white supremacist hate group.

Many of the Imperium's best moments are the scenes between Nate and Zamparo, and Collette makes the most of what is a relatively straight-forward role. We also get an idea as to why Nate, someone who is bullied by his colleagues, is the perfect man to go undercover and try to work his way into the inner-factions of the group. He is quiet, mild-mannered and spends most of his time outside of work on his own, but he is also highly intelligent, observant and, most importantly, victimised. While the many skin- heads Nate encounters are indeed burly and terrifying, they all share a sense of misguided victimhood, channelling their frustration and hatred towards a country they feel has betrayed them. Nate may not share their views, but he can empathise on an emotional level, which makes him a perfect fit to feel somewhat at home in such surroundings.

Director Daniel Ragussis, here making his feature debut, hints at a more interesting film than he manages to deliver. It touches on the inner psyche of these hateful people, and offers some shocking facts about America's dealings with terrorism, and just how much of it has come from white people. However, Ragussis's desire to tell a neat- and-tidy story means that Imperium never rises above routine thriller territory. A few key scenes in which Nate feels the wall closing in on him are very well done, and the script-writing input of Michael German, a former FBI undercover agent turned best-selling author, adds a feel of authenticity. I would also like to highlight the terrific performances of Chris Sullivan and Tracy Letts, the latter stealing every scene he's in as radio hate preacher Dallas Wolf. Imperium is a solidly-made, well-acted film that sadly doesn't strive to be anything more than an exciting thriller.

The defending of a nation

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 25 August 2018]

'Imperium's' main interest point is the subject matter, it's an important and relevant one, very hard-hitting and portraying it takes a lot of courage with the danger of heavy-handedness or bias. Toni Collette is a fine actress, have liked to loved a lot of her performances, and wanted to see how Daniel Radcliffe would fare in one of his most mature and most challenging roles.

Found 'Imperium' to be a worthwhile and interesting film but also an uneven one where potential is not completely fulfilled. Credit is due for taking on a difficult subject, which is not an easy thing to do, based on the real life experiences of Michael German, a real life FBI-agent, and there are many things to admire. With more focus and tightness 'Imperium' would have been an even better film, with much potential to be a very good even with many good things it is frustrating that the film for me was just decent.

Lets start with the positive. The look of the film is slick, stylish and suitably gritty, a perfect visual approach for the story. The soundtrack has pulsating energy yet is dynamic enough, the use of Brahms is inspired and will delight classic music fans (like me). Despite the director actually being inexperienced making a film, this is actually quite a confident directing job.

The script has tension and tautness, providing a good deal of thought and insight, while the story generally grips and has a suspenseful and bold feel to it, it's coherent too. Not everybody is going to like Daniel Radcliffe's performance, for me it's a strong contender for his best and shows how far he's grown as an actor. Fair play to him challenging himself. The cast generally did well, Tracy Letts being a standout.

Expected much more from Collette though, her character was not very interesting and gave her little to do and Collette comes over as uncharacteristically bland. Her chemistry with Radcliffe has some spark, too far and between, but the tension between Radcliffe and the supremists was far more convincing.

Did think that despite nothing being done disastrously a few elements were unevenly done. The script also can be heavy-handed and could have explored the subject in more depth at times, despite good intentions, and the story has some padding not always needed, a sometimes jumpy structure and plausibility can go out the window. The ending felt rushed and anti-climactic.

Concluding, interesting if uneven. Well done for trying. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Radcliffe surprising

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 28 March 2017]

Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe) is an empathetic nerdy FBI agent. Agent Angela Zamparo (Toni Collette) recruits him to infiltrate white supremacists suspected of importing stolen caesium. The prime target is internet radio host Dallas Wolf. Nate tries to connect through local leader Vince Sargent. He also connects with Aryan militia leader Andrew Blackwell and seemingly suburban family man Gerry Conway.

Infiltration movie can be quite intense. The oddity in this one is Radcliffe. He is not the usual muscle-bound emotional-cripple with whom these movies traffics in. He is a nerd. That's what is so interesting in the movie. It's actually fascinating that these characters don't see him coming and I buy it. I also like that Gerry Conway is actually smart and the movie has a variety of white supremacists. There are a couple of false steps later on in the movie which keeps it from going all the way to the top. Nevertheless, this is good.

Radcliffe's tenacity pays off

[thechoctopfilmblog · 6/10 · 12 October 2016]

Daniel Radcliffe as a FBI agent and an extreme white supremacist, now that was a film I really had to see. Personally, I love undercover stories as they have inbuilt elements of excitement and uncertainty. You're wondering constantly whether the covert operation is going to be a success or a failure.

Even with a shaved head and gangster clothes, Radcliffe lacked menace, fury and vitriol one might expect from a white supremacist. His eyes emanate a childlike innocence that is difficult to overcome even by vulgar behaviour and foul language. He doesn't astound, but I was quite engrossed in his performance. I cared about him and I wanted him to succeed.

I would have loved to see a deeper examination of infiltration strategies than what was in this film. It employs tips from the well – known book: Dale Carnegie's 'How to win friends and influence people', and doesn't go beyond that. By being as simple as it is, it takes away the intrigue of an undercover story.

There were some nail-biting scenes and clever dialogue that held my attention. We do get to delve into the mindsets of several white supremacists. The finale, however, felt very rushed. It came across as very sudden and I questioned its plausibility. It seems that the writers just needed a quick and thrilling end to the story without considering whether it is consistent with what they have developed earlier, both story and character wise.

I admire Radcliffe's tenacity to take on such a role. Even though the film wasn't a profound artwork, he does well in trying to break the seemingly immutable image of him as Harry Potter. Anyone who is used to seeing him as the boy who lived would be pleasantly surprised.

The good, the Bad and the Ugly sides of the FBI force!

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 4 November 2016]

The post Harry Potter series, apart from awesome in 'Horns', Daniel Radcliffe struggled to find his character, where he fits in. I mean he tried many different ones, but I think in this he was so good. Initially I thought 'whaaaat?' Because with his physique, he did not qualify to play an FBI agent. He was like when the Captain America first came to the army recruitment. And then when the story progressed, I realised the character was designed that way. So I found it kind of fun, though the topic it was dealing, especially knowing it was inspired by the real, this is definitely an eye opener.

The first 5 minutes reveals the film's whole plot. Though the opening was the end part of some undercover operation taken by the FBI. It does not show us how it all had happened, but with a new mission, another similar kind of event follows which is what this film.

Some people call it a propaganda, but I think it was a good message film for the common people. For how misused the homeland security force. I mean they were doing their jobs, but for achieving big within the force, they take the risks which unfortunately transforms the barking dogs into the biting ones.

So basically the infiltration means, they are the one to encourage those bad guys to act, in order to get them red handed. If it was for a good cause like if they nab the real culprit, then it's okay, but the innocents should not be turned into evil and punished. Like there are no bad guys, but they make one and take into the custody. If you watch it and think about it, you would relaise what I meant.

It was a better film than I anticipated, and the performance by Daniel Radcliffe was the highlight of the film. Some newcomer directed it and decently done his job. Not a must see, but surely I force you to watch it to learn the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the FBI force.

7/10

Victimhood - a little spoliery

[umme4uke · 7/10 · 19 August 2016]

This film should have been a bit better than it is - it's not bad, not bad at all - but it's just not quite as impact-full as it should be.

Some of the dialogue is quite deep and the films message is pertinent - hint, it's not really about neo nazi skinheads, well it is, but it's not really. It's about the true heart of fascism, beyond the history, myths and conspiracy.

What is interesting is that it makes you realise that victims are more likely fascists than bullies - that any group that claims to be the 'victim' is probably nurturing some level of fascism.

It's interesting food for thought but, as I mentioned, isn't quite as powerful as it could have been - just needed that little bit more.

Don't Second Guess If You Should Watch This...You Should!

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 14 March 2021]

This is all about compelling storytelling combining with just as compelling acting.

The basic plot of the film is nothing new, many films have covered this material.

Its the intricacies of the story that make it work, the interpersonal drama and tension are really powerful.

Potter excels again in this movie showing he is an actor to look for when he releases something. He doesn't always hit it out of the park but on this occasion, he does.

Imperium is a powerful drama that will interest those who follow domestic terrorism.

[fxdx4 · 8/10 · 20 August 2016]

Radcliffe at first might seem like a poor choice to be cast as a skin head/Nazi, but in fact his characteristics make perfect sense in the film. Radcliffe is a young FBI agent that is chosen to infiltrate a local white power movement to prevent a credible domestic terror threat a la the Oklahoma City bombing from the 90s. This is not an action film with brawls and fire fights; this is a drama that tries to honestly show those involved in the white power movement. Overall this film is engaging and engrossing on its own, but also challenges itself by giving these social villains some screen time.

It is a very standard film in terms of plot, this is not a film to watch and expect twists and turns. But it tells a very compelling story through character. Each white power figure we see has their own ideas, goals and as the story progresses it shows us not only about white power, but racism and any type of extremism as well. Sam Trammell, Chris Sullivan and Tracy Letts are all brilliant in pulling us into their lives and succeeding in avoiding the obvious stereotypes that all too easily could happen. The scenes of Edward Norton trashing convenience stores and killing from American History X are left out, these are men with families, family/financial problems, hopes, dreams and its fascinating to see how their sometimes noble goals are corrupted into extreme racism.

The weak point is the ending, and everything has to be knotted up in a 2 hour film. This has the feel of the first 2 episodes of an HBO mini-series. I was left only somewhat satisfied, and genuinely curious about what would happen to each character next – and I guess that is good film making.

Eye opening and well directed. If you are looking for a drama with almost no action, that mostly avoids cliché pitfalls (other than the obvious but well enough done ending) then this is your flick!

Daniel shines

[PetarNeo · 7/10 · 20 November 2016]

Nate is guy that wants action which is obvious from the opening scene and when he gets involved into something big things get tense and tricky. It's classical thriller undercover movie but only things that bring movie up are Daniel's performance and Trammell's character Gerry. As he goes undercover he is constantly being thrown different unpleasant situations and he must deal with them which was beautifully done. Constant doubts and success driven Daniel's character is amazing and at the same time determined to make some difference but in remaining humble. Of all characters put inside they all did not matter as they all showed their nature and what they are capable of as well how not interesting they are, but the Gerry came and it was a pretty amazing surprise. He seemed like a calm guy that just enjoys in small things but cares about things and how they reflect on others. With time you realize his character is way darker than that and it was an incredible thing how they managed to pull that in movie and it's one of the better things in movie. Well written script that allowed characters to show themselves and be mysterious. 2.5/4

Great idea for a movie, but poorly written, directed, and acted

[Brendan3 · 3/10 · 20 August 2016]

If you want to see a film about a conflicted FBI agent infiltrating a modern day white supremacist revolutionary group, seek out the far superior 1988 Costa-Gavras film "Betrayed"

The script follows a basic Screen writing 101 format. Toni Collette, as a cliché seasoned FBI agent bucks the system and all her superiors who stubbornly dismiss her ideas, and she recruits an inexperienced young agent, played by Daniel Radcliffe, to infiltrate local white supremacists on the hunch that, just maybe, they are responsible for missing weapons grade radioactive material.

Fine... I'll swallow this premise if they can make it somehow realistic and interesting. Nope. The film makers not only showed almost no understanding of how the FBI operates, what these organized white supremacists actually do, but also little regard for common sense.

This inexperienced FBI agent manages, not only to infiltrate a group of thuggish skinheads, but also to rapidly rise up and infiltrate an organized separatist militia, but an inner circle of careful planning terrorists... all very quickly and easily, simply because the film makers were too lazy to write realistically and just wanted to move things along.

Radcliffe's undercover FBI agent character, for some insane reasoning of the writer, uses his real name and identity to infiltrate, and does not use any documentation to support his phony backstory of military experience. It also seems as if the only direction he was given was to constantly fidget and look nervous and scared at all times... as though this constant erratic guilty behavior wouldn't worry even the dumbest of people he was trying to fool.

It is lazy storytelling wherein events unfold and problems are resolved with great ease, because showing the difficulty of infiltrating and investigating would require the film makers to actually think through their story.

Yes, the subject matter is important and the threat of homegrown separatist groups is a serious threat... far more serious than this movie even seems to understand.

Important subject matter is no reason to overlook bad film making.

'For evil to triumph, it only takes good men... to do nothing.'

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 23 April 2017]

Even the title of this film is terrifying: IMPERIUM - 'English-speaking Neo-Nazi frequently refer to a "Western Imperium" as a theoretical future global empire following their political and philosophical views.' Unfortunately the theme of this film is based on true incidents as written by Michael German with Daniel Ragussis who also directs. It is a magnifying glass held up to the many organizations of racists who believe that all non- Caucasian people should be destroyed - the white supremacists, be they KKK, or any other of the many hate groups whose influence is being more intensely felt during these times. It is a difficult movie to watch but at the same time perhaps it is a film that more people should see to be aware of a threat to equality that abounds, especially since January 2017!

Idealistic FBI agent Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe) goes undercover to take down a radical white supremacy terrorist group. The up-and-coming analyst must confront the challenge of sticking to a new identity while maintaining his real principles as he navigates the dangerous underworld of white supremacy. He works in tandem with Agent Angela Zamparo (Toni Collette) and Tom Hernandez (Nestor Carbonell) to infiltrate various groups led by Tracy Aletts, Sam Trammell, Seth Numrich, Jasson Finney etc.

The concept of FBI infiltration may not be a new one, but when it is based on a series of true events is underlines the dangerous world we have created. The film is very long u the cast is strong and the action, while at time convoluted, is fast paced. Daniel Radcliffe does a star turn!

Imperium nearly successfully infiltrates the ideologies of white supremacists.

[TheMovieDiorama · 6/10 · 15 March 2019]

'American History X' will always be the imperative film involving neo-Nazis and nationalism. No film has come close. Here we have a standard crime thriller that utilises its "infiltrator" plot structure to explore the perspective of white supremacists. Occasionally offering an insightful perspective into the radicalism that drives these fanatics, although frequently succumbing to a predictable story that lacks tension and thrills. An FBI agent is recruited to infiltrate an underground movement of radical neo-Nazis in order to investigate their next plan before they attack.

Supremacy is viewed to be the catalyst for terrorism, violent outbursts of racial abuse opens a profound window into this fanatical movement. This film grants us with an intriguing look at the structure of underground groups like these (considering this is based on true events) and their perspective on society. Yes, it is a derivative of anti-semitism to which should be widely disregarded. Unfortunately though, these groups do still exist, making this story both timely and harrowing. Ragussis did an excellent job and conveying the passionate hatred that drives these individuals, as they chase for the Aryan future that their infamous idol failed to achieve. Despite a promising first half, the infrequent thrills and lack of characterisation for the protagonist ultimately left me wanting more. Radcliffe substitutes a wand for a hand gun and throws himself into this daring role. He perfectly suited the character. Collette by his side supporting him well, with a few fiery scenes between them.

Alas, the mass amount of descriptions for the neo-Nazis' beliefs and absence of characterisation meant that it felt more educational than dramatic. Ragussis inventively injects still montages of white supremacy, but does nothing new with the base material. Concluding the film in the simplest way possible, almost diminishing the impact of its story. Still, Radcliffe's riveting central performance is enough to engage audiences, but stumbles badly on the last act.

was this written by a 3rd grader

[ericnottelling · 3/10 · 19 August 2016]

This movie was awful. The story was so bad it's comical. Radcliffe stumbles through every hard point in the whole movie, while he is magically loved by everyone for no reason. This movie is a wanna be point break with a really poor story line.

While it starts out with a nice concept and rolls out with promise by half way into the movie you are just left with bad clichés and poorly written dialog and script. The movie lacks any real tension, any climax, any action and any reason to root for the "good guy" It is bland and has the feel like it was written by a 3rd grader as none of it connects in any interesting way. You are left with a movie that hopes to get people in for shock value and an actors name. My suggestion is don't waste a single dime on this movie. There are better ones to go see.

Nothing special.

[rum2550 · 6/10 · 9 May 2020]

The fact that this is supposedly based on true events makes this an interesting movie to watch. However, as a thriller, there is nothing that could make it stand out from others. Although it is not a very bad movie, in a world where top quality TV thrillers like "Narcos", "Homeland" have raised the bar this movie looks pretty average. Other issue I noticed is that the White supremacists on this movie appeared as a bunch of amateurs who did not have a clue about most of the things including handling explosives. As a result, the treat posed by them did not seem serious.

A movie that puts focus on the real threat (for a change)

[thetruemrwalker · 7/10 · 26 October 2016]

This movie is really powerful and put all light and focus on the largest threats of our time the "white supremacist" movement, and it delivers well with a tight script and good acting and intense emotions. Daniel Radcliffe is doing a great acting job, as always.

Usually I do not take the time to write a review but after seeing so many racist, fascist. white supremacist, Trump-voters, Islamophobics (and other morons) commenting and reviewing this movie with their BS opinions about "the white race", I thought I had to contribute with some reality checks.

This is a good movie, that both entertains and gives you the creeps when you realize that there actually are people like those in the movie out there for real.

AWESOME...10 out of 10

[baxelson-22205 · 19 August 2016]

This movie first was written so well and the cast was just amazing. It is tough topic, but one that we should all be aware of. It was so suspenseful, acting was great. I have been waiting for a good MOVIE ALL SUMMER, this is one you cannot MISS...Rent or if you are lucky enough to have it open in your city see it...go! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED with the Actors, STORY or the entire movie.... 10 out of a 10.....

By the way, everyone that is taking this as more than entertainment needs to lighten up and Just enjoy. It is not a documentary, it is a movie. We know we have crazy's in the world, but this is a SUMMER BLOCK BUSTER.,,, ENJOY

Harry Potter Joins the FBI

[zardoz-13 · 7/10 · 20 November 2016]

Former "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe defies typecasting as a young wizard with his gripping portrayal of an undercover FBI agent in freshman writer & director Daniel Ragussis' "Imperium," based on the exploits of retired Special Agent Mike German who collaborated on the screenplay with Ragussis. For the record, German's days as an undercover agent occurred during the 1990s. Ivy-League, wet-behind-the-ears, bespectacled, FBI agent Nate Foster is participating in the eternal war against terrorism when he learns that there are more than enough homegrown terrorists infest the domestic borders of America to keep the Bureau sweating. A mild-mannered, immaculately attired FBI agent with far more sophistication than some of his colleagues, Foster catches the shrewd eye of Nicorette gum-chewing FBI agent Angela Zamparo (Toni Collette of "The Sixth Sense") who recruits him to infiltrate white supremacist groups. Nate's FBI superior Tom Hernandez (Nestor Carbonell of "The Dark Knight") warns Nate that undercover work is a one-way ticket to oblivion. Nevertheless, our hero changes his name from Nate Foster to Nate Thomas and then sets out to infiltrate homeland terrorists. Despite his woeful lack of knowledge about undercover work, Zamparo gives Nate what she considers the best primer for working undercover: Dale Carnegie's bestseller "How Win Friends and Influence People." Nate gives himself a buzz-cut to acquire the appropriate look before he plunges into deep waters of white supremacy. Initially, he insinuates himself into the lower echelons of white supremacists: the Aryan warriors. Later, he meets one of the white supremacists, a suburban husband and father Gerry Conway (Sam Trammel of HBO's "True Blood"), isn't the typical skin head covered in tattoos. Conway appreciates the finer things in life, like classical music, and he grows to trust Nate. Meantime, Nate must contend with some of the more violent examples who storm around with their heads shaved and wear uniforms adorned with swastikas. After the rougher variety of supremacists grow wary of him, Nate aligns himself with Conway, and they barely have enough time to thwart Conway and his people.

The problem with Ragussis' "Imperium" is that it lacks cinematic magnitude. The investigation and the consequences appear minor in comparison with other FBI movies where agents take down conspiracies that are truly massive. Instead, "Imperium" amounts to a small fry case. Nevertheless, Ragussis opens this serious-minded epic with surprising quotation attributed to none other than Adolf Hitler: "Words build bridges into unexplored regions." Indeed, Regussis gets our attention with this quote, and then he begins to craft what appears to be a genuine sizzler that fizzles by fade-out. Mind you, the production values are solid, and the cast is convincing, but everything comes off being just a little too subdued in terms of cinema. Make no mistake, Radcliffe is very persuasive as Nate, and he hurled himself whole-heartily into the role. Sadly, "Imperium" doesn't deliver the kind of wallop that Radcliffe delivers his own performance. In all fairness to Ragussis, he has written an intelligent script, but his protagonist has way too much ease penetrating these haters, and then out of nowhere the rougher variety come to regard him with suspicion so he bails. The moment that he decides to pull out is the moment when Conway accepts him without a shred of doubt. "Imperium" qualifies as an above-average thriller with loads of interesting backstory that doesn't ignite with the kind of incendiary brilliance that you feel it was capable of without overtly forsaking its 'inspired by true events' labeling. If you cannot handle the use of obnoxious and hateful epithets, particularly the N-word, you might reconsider watching this movie.

A generally fine thriller that is genuinely dynamic

[wellthatswhatithinkanyway · 7/10 · 27 January 2017]

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Morning * Monday Morning

Frustrated at his seeming inability to land a good case, young FBI agent Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe) is approached by senior agent Angela Zamparo (Toni Collette) to infiltrate a white supremacist organisation she believes are responsible for some missing chemicals from a compound. He blends in well, and impresses some senior members in the group, including Gerry Conway (Sam Trammell), the charismatic leader, but as his mission wages on, he finds himself embroiled in departmental bureaucracy and deceit as Conway plots his grand plan.

Having never gotten into the whole Harry Potter franchise, Daniel Radcliffe is one actor I never really followed that closely, but it was still a surprise to find him in this highly charged thriller, which plunges us back into the world of neo Nazi extremism. He doesn't fit the role perfectly, and you can never be sure whether it's because he's too geeky or too young, but that's not to say he gives a bad performance, and is a decent lead.

Debut feature length director Daniel Ragussis has crafted what appears to be a modest budgeted production, but taken time to craft an intelligent, considered screenplay that takes pains to get under the skins of its far right characters and portray them as seriously flawed but vaguely humanistic and intelligent characters, rather than merely as one dimensional stereotypes. It comes off as a little film that seems to have some big ideas to share, eager to burst out of its small bubble.

An intriguing and compelling first half is let down by an ending that descends into melodrama, and is sort of anti climatic, but it's generally dynamic and worthwhile. It disappeared from cinemas pretty quickly, which is all too much of a shame in this current climate, but it's well worth seeking out. ***

What you don't expect

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 6 May 2017]

Or maybe you do expect it. I guess in a way, maybe you do, because I did too. But it's still nicely told with a pace that may not suit everyone, because it's not fast paced and tries to stay as grounded to reality as possible. While characters in the film are not described as people in the real life, I'm pretty sure you'll guess one or two inspirations from "news" programs.

So this is actually balanced and truly fair in its depictions, without promoting that notion and not delivering. Again, this is a thriller and it is about the performances and they are exceptional. Daniel Radcliffe has grown up to become something else than a wizard. He's showing that he's able to do more. Are you ready for it?

In short, a really riveting thriller.

[siddharthbhandari010 · 7/10 · 24 November 2016]

The movie deals with Radcliffe (Nate Foster) infiltrates white supremacist group to provide information whether an "event" is about to take place or not. The movie moves quickly and had some edge of the seat moments however, it is primarily focused on Nate's interactions with different types of supremacist groups and the psychological toll the job takes on him. Radcliffe packs a punch and supporting cast is strong- overall, the movie is thought-provoking, not laced with usual clichés, and entertaining. The movie could have used Nate having more encounters and discussions with supremacists to dig deeper into the psyche of characters involved. However, the movie leaves the viewers satisfied with the pace of screenplay and acting skills of primary actors involved.

An embarrassment for everybody

[zerocrew-56802 · 2/10 · 19 August 2016]

This one's gonna leave a brown stain on Radcliff's resume. It's so bad, it's embarrassing to watch at times. Earlier, ericnottelling says that "was this written by a 3rd grader" - It's actually even worst. A 3rd grader could debunk this movie. The plot is so ludicrous, that it makes Harry Potter feel like a believable piece of reported documentary. Like Eric said, everybody loves that young scrawny punk for no reason - have a chamomile tea (lmfao) with the nazi leader, and suddenly the dude is going to tell you his secret master world domination cunning plan and includes you in the A-team because you got a liking in classical music. Radcliff really struggles with his role, and I can't totally blame him, the script is a disaster. In opposition of movies like American History X, that put Radcliff in the junior league compared to Ed Norton, the Bieber one. Although, I can understand at some extend Justin Bieb having fans,but I could not fathom if somebody comes with something positive about this pathetic flick... Don't waste your time or money with this - even free, this is still a waste of electricity and time you never could get back. Cringe level 10. Hogwarts Wizard ain't no KKK Imperial Wizard.

The only thing that is not disappointing with this movie is the constant way it's falling apart. From a seemingly promising beginning, it goes there on a downward slope to an ending that is the one of a Scooby Doo cartoon.

Didn't Go Where I Thought It Would

[redrobin62-321-207311 · 8/10 · 25 November 2016]

It's sometimes difficult to rate cliché-filled movies like these after seeing similar ones, like American History X, Drummer, A Time to Kill, 12 Years A Slave, and many others. The problem is, well, you've seen and heard it all before - the virulent language, the willful ignorance of the perpetrators, their misguided ideology and, of course, their insistence on victimhood. Imperium is no different, but it sure is timely as hell, went to far as to even mention Dylann Roof who has NOW only been found mentally able to stand trial for his dirty deed done dirt cheap.

Daniel Radcliffe was right on. Never missed a beat. As a racist skinhead he was very believable. There were some moments in the film that I thought they pored the racism on too thickly (swastika cookies and window streamers?!) and it made the proceedings too...cartoonish. Otherwise, I liked this film. To the new alt-right movement, this film will probably be treasured and revered like "Casablanca", "Dr. Zhivago", or "Gone with the Wind." Is Imperium a must see? Yes, I think so. Hopefully, these racist skinheads will always stay on the fringes. If not, we're in trouble.

A Daniel Radcliffe show that is taut, thrilling and insightful

[eshwarmail · 7/10 · 15 April 2017]

A smart honest rookie cop goes undercover, broken to the edge and survives, sympathizes with the gang and eventually rises above the dilemma and does the right thing. Each of us has come across at least one movie with a similar storyline. What makes the writers, directors and film makers revisit this theme that has been told over and over? Going away from the glamorous and over-the-top Bond or Ethan Hunt style spy movies, the closest you would come across in terms of reality are these undercover thrillers. If they are done well, there is an immediate connect with the audience, they root for the protagonist, they empathize with the emotions leading to repetitive views and healthy box office collections. Movies based on white supremacist antagonists in Hollywood are not common. While they come sporadically, featuring mainstream actors is rarer like American History X, A Time to Kill etc.

Nate Foster (Daniel Radcliffe) is a loner but highly intellectual FBI agent eager to make a mark. An imminent threat alert drives the department over the edge to investigate and identify the source of the threat and the entire department directs their focus on radical Islamic terrorism. When officer Angela (Toni Collette) suggests a possibility of domestic terrorism involving right wing fascist groups, her superiors and peers ridicules her except Nate. Angela manages to convince her boss and requests for Nate to go undercover as she has seen him before on how he could connect with suspects and get them to talk. Using her years of undercover experience, she gives a crash course to Nate on how he could infiltrate a potential fascist group which can lead him to connect with the nationwide leader who provokes through fascism Dallas Wolf (Tracy Letts).

Having not followed Daniel Radcliffe's filmography except for the initial Harry Potter movies, I had nothing to expect of his performance or his script choices. But definitely looks like he has come a long way. There are moments in the movie which doesn't quite add up - some of them plainly contrived while others loosely written, but Radcliffe shoulders the burden of patching them up and even turns some of them into gripping, gritty and soulful sequences. The supporting cast gives good performances as well if we ignore some clichéd characters here and there. There are 2 important points of note that transcends to real world on how radicalization occurs - a charismatic leader delivering an irresponsible speech not knowing the consequences, brainwashing the children at a very tender age before they could understand and decide for themselves.

Going to the technical departments, the runtime is crisp with the screenplay and editing departments that knows where to indulge and where to be brief. The background score is an asset to the movie that varies by the mood and at times even sets it up. While it has its overwhelming positives, it is not a smooth road always especially towards the end when Radcliffe's character attempts to convince too many people. Also the character Gerry Conway played by Sam Trammell has a sudden change to the character arc where he goes from a loving family man, a rational thinker but with a fascist mindset to a downright radical ready to give up his life in a spur of the moment. However there are enough elements to keep the audience at the edge of their seats leading up to the suspenseful climax even if one could guess how it might end from a mile away.

A Daniel Radcliffe show that is taut, thrilling and insightful.

Really Good Performances And Very Tense, But The Writing Lets It Down Massively

[dommercaldi · 5/10 · 18 May 2020]

Pros: 1. The score brilliantly lathers the film in a constantly tense and nerve-wracking feel. 2. The movie provides a fair enough representation of white power views which serves to heighten Nate Foster's (Daniel Radcliffe) ideological struggles and make them feel more real. 3. Daniel Radcliffe, Toni Collette (Angela Zamparo), Chris Sullivan (Andrew Blackwell), and Seth Numrich (Roy) give brilliant performances. 4. The tension and suspense are built up really well and it keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat for the entire duration.

Cons: 1. In the beginning, Nate Foster strangely claims that Usman (Roger Yawson) did nothing but talk about taking action, even though he brazenly admitted to supplying materials for bomb-making, and he even went to detonate said bomb. 2. The film promulgates the false narrative that white supremacists commit more terror attacks than Muslims. The FBI has explicitly highlighted that it is the other way round. 3. Daniel Radcliffe's American accent is rather patchy in places, and at times sounds a little forced. 4. The fissures between the white power cells is introduced, and then forgotten about. The movie never truly examines these tensions. 5. The third act is completely rushed, as it tries to introduce a veritable bomb threat within the last 25 minutes with very little build up.

The (skinny) boy who lived....

[g-moff · 9 September 2016]

I watched this movie because I was curious how Radcliffe would look and perform in a non-Potterish-environment. Well, in my opinion he was the wrong cast. To get inside a white supremacist group, his character pretends to be a former marine who just came back from Iraq. Unfortunately, Radcliffe looks as if he'd never seen a gym even from outside and certainly not like an ex-marine at all. Actually he looks as if he'd just finished high school. His undercover story looks totally implausible though right from the beginning and the fact that nearly all of his new 'comrades' couldn't figure that out made it hard for me to watch the movie until its end. Imho it is neither a good character study nor a convincing portrayal of right-wing extremists nor notably thrilling. No rating. Better watch "Betrayed" (1988).