With Inheritance, a contemporary spy thriller that is creating buzz for its distinctive filmmaking and compelling plot, British actress Phoebe Dynevor, who rose to fame with her role in Bridgerton, is now venturing into the world of espionage. The movie was released in theaters earlier this year, and on May 23, 2025, it will make its over-the-top (OTT) debut in India on Lionsgate Play.
The wait is almost over for Indian viewers who have been waiting to see Dynevor in a novel and dramatic role.
A New Method for Espionage
Directed by Neil Burger, known for his work on Divergent and Limitless, Inheritance introduces audiences to Maya, a young woman whose life is drastically changed after discovering the shocking truth that her father was a spy. After a personal revelation quickly leads her into a dangerous global conspiracy, she is forced to face facts about her family, her past, and the world around her.
This isn’t your typical spy movie. Inheritance places more emphasis on personal stakes, realistic settings, and psychological tension than it does on lavish action sequences and state-of-the-art technology. The story is made more appealing by the fact that Maya is unprepared for the world she enters.
Shot on an iPhone. Seriously, that’s wild.
So, people can’t stop buzzing about how Inheritance ditched the big rigs and went full-on iPhone mode. It’s not just a gimmick—this whole DIY, “grab-your-phone-and-let’s-shoot” thing absolutely changes the vibe. No bulky gear. Tiny crew. Just real folks, real places, no fuss. Kinda feels like you’re sneaking a look into someone’s life, not watching another shiny spy flick.
Honestly, it’s pretty genius. Neil Burger, the guy calling the shots, wanted to lose that fake, over-produced sheen. You know how most spy thrillers look like they’ve spent a year in post-production getting every hair in place? Not here. Everything’s a little rougher, a little more unpredictable. You feel it. The tension doesn’t come from explosions—it’s in the shaky cam, the too-close faces, those little moments that just wouldn’t hit the same if it was all fancy lenses and studio lighting.
So yeah, might seem risky at first, but this way? You get a story that actually feels totally, uncomfortably real.
The Cast and Performances
Honestly, Phoebe Dynevor totally nails it as Maya. Forget all that Bridgerton fluff—she’s out here doing something way more raw, way more layered. There’s this vibe of “wait, am I supposed to know what’s going on?” mixed with grit and that kind of stubbornness you need when life just keeps hurling curveballs. You can see it in her eyes—she’s lost, she’s driven, sometimes both at once.
And hey, gotta give props to the rest of the gang. Rhys Ifans? Top shelf, brings just the right amount of edge. Ciara Baxendale and Kashyap Shangari don’t just stand in the background looking pretty either; each one throws in their little chaos or support or…honestly, sometimes you’re not even sure whose side they’re on. Keeps Maya (and us) guessing, which honestly makes it way more fun to watch.
Critical Reception and Theatrical Run
Inheritance opened at cinemas on January 24, 2025, to generally mixed reviews. Although the film was complimented for its risky cinematography and Dynevor’s performance being a highlight, some perceived the pacing to be slower than anticipated for a spy thriller. But many enjoyed how it prioritized the character development and psychological tension over action-oriented sequences.
In spite of the mixed sentiments, there is no denying that the movie has generated interest—particularly from fans of grounded thrillers and avant-garde filmmaking.
Streaming in India: Date and Platform
Indian viewers can expect to see Inheritance on their screens soon from the comfort of their own homes. The movie will be streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play starting May 23, 2025. As Lionsgate Play continues to build up its slate of international movies and originals, Inheritance brings a new, thrilling title to join its expanding catalog.
For fans of smart storytelling, emotional complexity, and a bit of suspense, this is a movie worth putting on your list.
Inheritance is not merely another spy thriller—but a daring reimagining of the genre. With powerhouse performances, particularly from Phoebe Dynevor, and an innovative approach to filming that defies fiction and reality, the film is something new and innovative.
Whether you are a fan of spy thrillers or just want something new, Inheritance has something that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end. Don’t miss its OTT release on Lionsgate Play on May 23.
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