Chief of Station
Movie Trailer
Release Date
May 3, 2024
Genre
Action Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Aaron Eckhart as Ben Malloy
- Olga Kurylenko as Krystyna Kowerski
- Alex Pettyfer as John Branca
- Chris Petrovski as Nick
- Laëtitia Eïdo as Farrah
- Nick Moran as Evgeny, FSB
- Daniel Bernhardt as Kharon
- Nina Bergman as Hitchens
- James Faulkner as Deputy Director Williams
- Kris Johnson as Ted Waltz
- Isobel Wood as Veronique
Director
Jesse V. Johnson
Producer
- Jonathan Halperyn
- Daniel Kresmery
- Simon Williams
- Matthew Shreder
- Steve Lee Jones
Writer
George Mahaffey
Production Company
- Concourse Media
- Bee Holder
- Mirror Productions
- Hero Squared
- Ashland Hill Media Finance
Distributed By
Vertical
Running Time
98 minutes
Languages
English
Content Advisory
- Intense violence
- Mature themes
- Strong language
Movie Story
“Chief of Station” is an action-packed thriller that follows Ben Malloy (Aaron Eckhart), a seasoned CIA Chief of Station in Eastern Europe. His life takes a tragic turn when his wife Farrah (Laëtitia Eïdo) is killed in a bombing at a café in Budapest on their wedding anniversary. What initially appears to be a random act of terror soon reveals itself to be something far more sinister. As Ben digs deeper into the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, he discovers that it was no accident. Determined to uncover the truth, Ben returns to Budapest, where his quest for answers leads him into a dangerous web of espionage, betrayal, and deceit.
Upon his return, Ben learns that his son Nick (Chris Petrovski), a recent IT graduate, has settled in Croatia after meeting a girl. The two plan to reunite in Paris, but Ben’s investigation takes precedence. In Budapest, Ben confronts Evgeny (Nick Moran), a Russian FSB officer, who hints that Farrah was involved in covert operations she had kept hidden from Ben. Before Evgeny can reveal more, he is assassinated by Kharon (Daniel Bernhardt), a deadly Chechen operative. With the help of Krystyna (Olga Kurylenko), a former Russian agent loyal to Farrah, Ben narrowly escapes multiple attempts on his life, including a betrayal by his former partner, John Branca (Alex Pettyfer).
As Ben and Krystyna uncover more secrets, they find evidence that Farrah had gathered incriminating information on both Branca and CIA Deputy Director Williams (James Faulkner). This revelation complicates matters, especially when Branca kidnaps Nick in a bid to force Ben into handing over the damning evidence. The climax of the film takes place in Hungary, where Ben and Krystyna must outmaneuver Branca and Kharon in a high-stakes exchange to save Nick and expose the corruption within the CIA. The film concludes with a thrilling showdown that sees Ben and Krystyna overcoming their enemies and bringing Deputy Director Williams to justice.
“Chief of Station” offers a tense, high-octane narrative filled with twists and turns, as Ben Malloy’s relentless pursuit of the truth takes him to the edge of his abilities. The film combines intense action sequences with the intricate plotting of classic espionage thrillers, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.
Special Effects
The film uses practical effects combined with CGI to create realistic action sequences, including high-speed chases, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and explosive set pieces. The cinematography by Jonathan Hall captures the dark and gritty atmosphere of Eastern Europe, enhancing the film’s tense and suspenseful tone.
Filming Locations
- Budapest, Hungary
Notable Quotes
- “In this world, trust is a luxury we can’t afford.” – Ben Malloy
- “The truth isn’t just hidden; it’s buried under layers of lies.” – Krystyna Kowerski
Behind-the-Scenes
“Chief of Station” underwent several casting changes during production, with Aaron Eckhart stepping in to replace Alec Baldwin as the lead due to scheduling conflicts. Filming took place on location in Budapest, which provided an authentic backdrop for the film’s espionage-driven narrative. The project wrapped in early 2023, with the final touches added in post-production.
Final Verdict
“Chief of Station” is a fast-paced and gripping action thriller that delivers on both suspense and drama. Aaron Eckhart leads a talented cast in a story that blends classic espionage elements with modern action sequences. With strong performances, intense action, and a plot full of intrigue, the film is a solid addition to the genre and a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers.
Image Source: Theatrical release poster