"The Outfit" on Peacock

[nuxvomica]

This 2022 theatrical film is surprisingly intense and cinematic, despite all the action taking place in a tailor shop in 1956 Chicago. It follows one night in the life of Leonard Burling, a Saville Row-trained "cutter" (he's insulted to be called a "tailor" ) who makes quality bespoke suits for men. Most of his clients are members of an Irish-American gang called the Boyles and his backroom is a mail-drop for the gang but things heat up as the Boyles and another gang, the LaFontaines, are at war. Crisp, elegant dialogue slowly reveals the characters' backgrounds, their relationships and loyalties, punctuated by plot twists and acts of violence (there's a lot of bloodletting). Mark Rylance (Don't Look Up!, Bridge of Spies) is perfect as the reserved, mouse-like "cutter" and he's ably assisted by Zoey Deutsch (The Politician) as Mabel, his receptionist, Dylan O'Brien (the Maze Runner trilogy) as the mob boss's son, and some less well-known British actors who are nonetheless convincing as Chicago mobsters. I enjoyed the movie immensely and wanted to be sure people who appreciate good writing and fine acting didn't miss this under-hyped gem. But you should be warned, it's gory at times and, worse, it may make you want to run out and buy a new outfit after seeing it. I did.