Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Action thriller

The Courier (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Courier (2019) movie poster

The Courier is a 2019 action thriller directed by Zackary Adler, starring Olga Kurylenko as The Courier, Gary Oldman and Calliope Jane Taylor. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $26 million worldwide. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 15 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10.

IMDb rating
4.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
85%
worldwide gross
$26M
Echo Score
47
Loading streaming availability…
The Courier (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Zackary Adler
Genres
Action , Drama , Thriller , Crime
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Courier About?

The premise of The Courier without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

During the height of the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, unassuming British businessman Greville Wynne is recruited by MI-6 and the CIA for a dangerous mission. He develops an unlikely partnership with Soviet officer Oleg Penkovsky to extract vital intelligence and avert a potential nuclear disaster as tensions between the East and West reach a critical point. Wynne’s actions put him and Penkovsky in grave peril.

The Courier Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • courier
  • london england
  • package
  • gas mask
  • gunfight
  • shootout
  • gun battle
  • street shootout
  • fistfight
  • fight
  • hand to hand combat
  • punched in the face
+38 more
  • punched in the chest
  • kicked in the face
  • kicked in the stomach
  • beating
  • beaten to death
  • head butt
  • fight to the death
  • showdown
  • final showdown
  • woman fights a man
  • woman punches a man
  • action heroine
  • one woman army
  • tough girl
  • female warrior
  • unlikely heroine
  • dark past
  • tragic past
  • tragic event
  • haunted by the past
  • dark heroine
  • exploding car
  • explosion
  • stabbed in the neck
  • stabbed in the throat
  • stabbed in the shoulder
  • stabbed in the arm
  • stabbed in the chest
  • stabbed in the back
  • stabbed in the leg
  • stabbed to death
  • neck breaking
  • throat slit
  • strangulation
  • improvised weapon
  • toolkit
  • shot in the head
  • shot in the forehead
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

The Courier Cast & Characters

Olga Kurylenko leads the cast as The Courier, with Gary Oldman as Ezekiel Mannings and Calliope Jane Taylor. Directed by Zackary Adler; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Courier

· 9 more
From the director

More from Zackary Adler

More films directed by Zackary Adler, best-rated first: I'm Reed Fish, Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story, Casual Encounters and The Fall of the Krays.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Courier Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Courier 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 15 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 47/100, strongest in story & flow (70) and weakest in art & craft (25).

47 /100

The Courier Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Courier offers uneven execution that blends strong narrative momentum with inconsistent technical choices. Many reviewers highlighted its engaging pacing in key sequences and the central spy drama’s emotional themes, while also noting abrupt shifts in visual style and underwhelming performances. The narrative structure earns points for suspenseful escalations and effective human stakes, but is offset by shifting tone and occasional lethargic acting. The net impression is of a thriller that sustains interest at times but is hampered by inconsistency across its components.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 25

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s technical execution is often cited as a weakness. Multiple observations point to frenetic camera movement, abrupt angle changes, and unstable framing that undermine scene clarity. The editing pace and inconsistent visual approach detract from narrative immersion. Overall, the visual presentation feels unsettled and frequently distracts from the film’s intentions.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When it comes to character and emotion, responses are mixed due to uneven performances. The lead portrayal of Wynne garners praise for its nuanced shift from innocence to resolve, and Olga Kurylenko is noted for her athletic presence. However, criticism targets the central antagonist’s toneless delivery and generally flat supporting roles. The overall character landscape feels inconsistent in depth and impact.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, the film receives commendation for its suspenseful pacing and coherent progression. Critics highlight a gripping central narrative that balances escalating tension with human drama, and note effective structural beats that sustain engagement. Some feedback references slow transitions in early sequences, leading to moments of drag. Overall, the narrative proves engaging while exhibiting occasional pacing lapses.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film presents divergent strengths and weaknesses. The sound design and score occasionally establish an immersive, shadow-laden atmosphere, reinforcing dramatic beats. Conversely, abrupt musical cues and inconsistent visual style—marked by rapid framing shifts—undermine cohesion. Overall, the sensory elements alternate between effective mood setting and distracting technical choices that hinder seamless immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers moderate incentive for repeat viewings through its historical intrigue and central spy premise. The suspenseful sequences and character dilemmas may prompt a second look. However, uneven pacing, erratic visual choices, and variable performance quality reduce its lasting appeal. Overall, the rewatch value remains modest and selective.

Plot

The Courier Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Courier from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ezekiel Mannings, portrayed by Gary Oldman, is a billionaire contractor from New York who finds himself facing multiple corruption charges. His daughter, Alys Mannings, played by Calliope Jane Taylor, is well aware of her father’s dubious dealings. In a tense meeting at a church, Ezekiel reassures Alys that everything will be just fine and advises her to consult Agent Bryant. However, shortly thereafter, he is apprehended by the NYPD right in the middle of the church.

Full summary

The whole story of The Courier, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The Courier Box Office

The Courier grossed $26 million worldwide. $6.6 million came from the US and Canada and $19.4 million (75%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$26M

US & Canada
$6.6M
International
$19.4M
US & Canada 25% Rest of the world 75%
Videos

The Courier Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Courier.

THE COURIER | UK Trailer | Starring Olga Kurylenko and Gary Oldman
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Courier?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the billionaire contractor facing corruption charges in 'The Courier'?

Cars

Cars in The Courier

52 cars on screen, including the 2019 BMW S 1000 R and the 2002 BMW 318i E46.

All 52 cars
  • 2019 BMW S 1000 R in The Courier 2019 BMW S 1000 R Main role
  • 2002 BMW 318i E46 in The Courier 2002 BMW 318i E46 Important role
  • Mercedes-Benz S 600 W221 in The Courier Mercedes-Benz S 600 W221 Important role
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 600 W221 in The Courier 2006 Mercedes-Benz S 600 W221 Important role
Details

The Courier Also Known As

39 alternative titles, including “Der Spion” and “信使”.

Also known as
  • Der Spion
  • 信使
  • The Spy
  • Сянката на шпионина
  • Den gode spion
  • Un espion ordinaire
  • L'ombra delle spie
  • Kurjeris
  • O Espião Inglês
  • Ironbark: El espía inglés
  • Код: Залізна Кора
  • Кур’єр
+27 more
  • El espía inglés
  • 軍情諜報
  • Ironbark
  • Желязната завеса
  • Hra špiónů
  • Hra špiónov
  • Игры шпионов
  • Sjena špijuna
  • 더 스파이
  • Kuriiri
  • השליח האנגלי
  • Gra szpiegów
  • Kurye
  • Курир
  • Le messager anglais
  • 鐵幕行動
  • Ο Κατάσκοπος του Ψυχρού Πολέμου
  • A küldönc
  • قاصد
  • คนอัจฉริยะ ฝ่าสมรภูมิรบ
  • Umbra spionului
  • Người Đưa Tin
  • クーリエ:最高機密の運び屋
  • Kurjers
  • الساعي
  • Vohunska igra, კურიერი
  • L'espia anglès

Seen The Courier?

FAQ

The Courier FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Courier, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Courier?

The Courier runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was The Courier released?

The Courier was released on November 22, 2019.

Who directed The Courier?

The Courier was directed by Zackary Adler.

More films by Zackary Adler

Who is in the cast of The Courier?

The Courier stars Olga Kurylenko as The Courier, Gary Oldman as Ezekiel Mannings and Calliope Jane Taylor, among 13 credited actors.

How much did The Courier make at the box office?

The Courier grossed $26 million worldwide ($6.6 million domestic, $19.4 million international).

How is The Courier rated?

The Courier has 4.8/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 15 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Does The Courier have a post-credit scene?

No. The Courier has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app