🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: David Leitch
- Genre: Action, Thriller, Spy
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (256K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A super spy goes to Berlin to punch a lot of people and maybe find a list, but mostly punches.
🍿 Atomic Blonde: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Mission Begins
In 1989, MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton is sent to Berlin just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Her mission: recover ‘The List,’ a microfilm containing the names of all active intelligence agents in the field, which was stolen after the murder of agent James Gascoigne. The list is crucial to preventing further espionage compromises.

Berlin’s Underworld
Lorraine partners with David Percival, the eccentric MI6 station chief in Berlin. She soon discovers that Berlin is a treacherous landscape where trust is a luxury. KGB agents, rogue operatives, and double-crossers lurk at every corner, each with their own agenda for obtaining ‘The List.’

Betrayal and Alliances
As Lorraine navigates the dangerous city, she forms a complex relationship with Delphine Lasalle, a French agent. Alliances shift, and Lorraine begins to suspect Percival, questioning his loyalty and motives. The stakes rise as she realizes that someone within MI6 might be compromised.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron): A highly skilled and resourceful MI6 agent sent to Berlin to recover a list of double agents.
- David Percival (James McAvoy): The eccentric and seemingly rogue MI6 station chief in Berlin who becomes an uneasy ally to Lorraine.
- Spyglass (Eddie Marsan): A Stasi informant with a memorized list of agents, seeking defection to the West.
- Delphine Lasalle (Sofia Boutella): A novice French agent in Berlin who becomes romantically involved with Lorraine.
- Eric Gray (Toby Jones): An MI6 executive who debriefs Lorraine after her mission, seeking answers about the operation.
- Emmett Kurzfeld (John Goodman): A CIA agent involved in the debriefing of Lorraine, adding a layer of international intrigue.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Lorraine Broughton: “I’ve read your file. I’ve also read your dog file. So let’s cut the crap, shall we?” – Lorraine confronts Percival about his seemingly unprofessional behavior and lack of trustworthiness.
- David Percival: ““It’s a double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.”” – Percival quotes Machiavelli, foreshadowing his own duplicity and double-crossing nature.
- Lorraine Broughton: “I’m not sure what I’m walking into.” – Reflects the uncertainty and danger inherent in her mission in Cold War Berlin.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $51,687,870
- Worldwide Gross: $100,014,025
💥 Atomic Blonde Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved Atomic Blonde! The 80s setting was awesome, and the soundtrack had me headbanging in my seat. Charlize Theron is a total badass, and the fight scenes were so intense, I was on the edge of my seat. I specifically remember the long take fight in the stairwell – so brutal and realistic! The plot got a little confusing, but honestly, I was there for the action and the vibe, and it totally delivered.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of spy thrillers”
- “Viewers who appreciate strong female leads”
- “Fans of action movies with intense fight choreography”
- “Those interested in Cold War era settings”
- “Audiences who enjoy movies with a stylish aesthetic”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content and nudity”
- “Brief drug use”
Professional Reviews
- Rolling Stone: “Atomic Blonde is a stylish, brutal ballet of spy games and bone-crunching action. Theron’s performance is magnetic, making her a force to be reckoned with. The film’s hyper-stylized violence and killer soundtrack create a unique cinematic experience.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While the plot can be convoluted, Atomic Blonde delivers on its promise of slick action and a captivating lead performance. The film’s extended fight sequences are particularly impressive, showcasing Theron’s dedication to the role. A definite win for action fans.
- Variety: “Atomic Blonde’s style outweighs its substance. However, the stylized visuals, 80s soundtrack, and Charlize Theron’s physical performance will satisfy fans looking for an action-packed thrill ride despite its thin plot.
Audience Reactions
Charlize Theron’s intense and realistic fight scenes were amazing.: Viewers praised the action choreography as innovative and brutal, a major highlight of the movie.
The 80s soundtrack created an immersive and nostalgic atmosphere.: Many agreed the music was perfectly suited to the film’s aesthetic, elevating every scene.
Overall Consensus: Atomic Blonde is a stylish, action-packed thriller with a killer soundtrack and a magnetic performance by Charlize Theron, though the plot can be convoluted for some viewers.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Charlize Theron performed many of her own stunts, training extensively for months before filming began. She even cracked two teeth during the fight sequences.”
- “The film’s soundtrack features a mix of popular 80s hits and lesser-known synth-pop tracks, adding to the film’s distinct atmosphere.”
- “Director David Leitch was previously a stunt coordinator and second unit director, known for his work on action films like ‘John Wick’.”
- “The long take action sequence in the apartment and down the stairwell took several days to film and required precise choreography and timing.”
🖥️ How to Watch Atomic Blonde?
Atomic Blonde is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or purchase it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite on-demand options. For physical copies, look for Blu-ray and DVD versions at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Atomic Blonde, you might like these similar films:
- Salt (2010): Features a female CIA agent who is accused of being a Russian spy and must go on the run to clear her name.
- Hanna (2011): Another action film featuring a strong female protagonist with exceptional combat skills, highlighting espionage themes.
- Haywire (2011): Focuses on a highly skilled female operative betrayed by her agency and forced to use her skills to survive and uncover the truth.
- Red Sparrow (2018): Shares similar themes of espionage and features a female protagonist trained in the art of seduction and manipulation.
🛒 Atomic Blonde Related Products
- Atomic Blonde [Blu-ray]: Own the action-packed thriller on Blu-ray and relive the adrenaline-pumping fight scenes and 80s soundtrack in high definition.
- The Coldest City (Graphic Novel): Explore the original story that inspired Atomic Blonde in this thrilling graphic novel by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart.
- Atomic Blonde: Lorraine Broughton Action Figure: A highly detailed action figure of Charlize Theron as Lorraine Broughton, perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
- Atomic Blonde T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this stylish Atomic Blonde T-shirt featuring iconic imagery and designs from the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Atomic Blonde features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Blue Monday ’88” – performed by New Order
- “Major Tom (Coming Home)” – performed by Peter Schilling
- “Der Kommissar” – performed by After the Fire
- “The Politics of Dancing” – performed by Re-Flex
- “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” – performed by David Bowie
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, Atomic Blonde is based on the graphic novel ‘The Coldest City’ by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart. While it’s set against the historical backdrop of Cold War Berlin, the characters and events are fictional.
Satchel is the codename for a double agent who has been selling intelligence to the Soviets. In the end, it’s revealed that David Percival, the MI6 station chief in Berlin, is Satchel.
‘The List’ is a microfilm containing the names of all active intelligence agents in the Soviet Union and the West. It’s highly sought after because possessing it would give a significant advantage in the Cold War.
🔥 Bonus Content
Atomic Blonde | The 10-Minute Single Take Fight Scene in 4K HDR
Prepare to be blown away by this epic, uninterrupted fight sequence that showcases Atomic Blonde’s impressive choreography and Charlize Theron’s incredible skills.
Everything Wrong With Atomic Blonde In 14 Minutes Or Less
Get ready for a laugh as CinemaSins takes aim at Atomic Blonde, pointing out all its amusing flaws and absurd moments.
Did You Know That In Split
Here’s a fun trivia that connects Atomic Blonde to another movie. Did you know that James McAvoy’s injury played a role in both films?
ATOMIC BLONDE: How (Not) To Edit with Music – Sponsored
Dive into the world of film editing with this video that explores how music can make or break a scene. Atomic Blonde serves as a great example, and you’ll gain insights into the techniques used to create its thrilling sequences.
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