Imperium

It seems unnervingly accurate for anxious times.

As the baddies get nicer - or at least quieter - the plot slackens and Ragussis plods his way through a transparent three-act structure towards a less-than-thrilling denouement.

In the end, Imperium is fairly gripping entertainment that overcomes its faults. It brings nothing new to the table. But chalk up another unlikely win for Radcliffe.

The most memorable scenes come from True Blood's Sam Trammell as a warm, cultured family man who explains his racial hatred in a matter-of-fact manner: particularly chilling in the current political climate.

Daniel Radcliffe gives an assured turn as Nate, a nerdy FBI agent who is persuaded to go undercover to infiltrate a community of neo-Nazis.

Daniel Ragussis's direction is clunky -- endless news montages of Hitler fans, Ku Klux Klansmen and skinheads marching the streets do little to build the story.

A timely treatise that shines a harsh light on this nation’s deplorables and serves to remind discerning viewers that homegrown terrorism is no less a threat than the international brand.

The film fails to engage because of its miscast leading man and its unsuccessful attempts to elevate itself above a standard undercover cop yarn.

Imperium feels like a vehicle for Radcliffes range, an uncomfortable and competent drama thats most memorable for showing a very different side to its star.

Instead of exploring the psychopathology of hatred and anti-Semitism in the United States it is content to play as a thriller and little else.