'Thrilling' World War II film now streaming on Netflix and fans are rushing to watch

One of the most unique true stories from World War II has been brought to life in a 2022 feature film starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kelly Macdonald.

The film dramatizes a crucial British deception strategy used to mislead Nazi Germany prior to the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Directed by John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), Operation Mincemeat is based on the bestselling non-fiction book by Ben Macintyre, which itself draws from actual declassified military records.

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With an impressive 83% critics' score on cinema review site Rotten Tomatoes, the film is set in 1943 and follows British intelligence officers Ewen Montagu (Colin Firth) and Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen).

They spearhead a complex plan to trick German forces into believing that the Allies planned to invade Greece instead of Sicily.

The mission involved releasing the body of a dead man into the sea off the coast of Spain. The body was dressed as a Royal Marine and carried falsified documents designed to mislead enemy intelligence.

The man became known as "Major William Martin" - a fictional identity meticulously crafted to make the deception believable.

The operation was successful and played a significant role in diverting German troops away from Sicily, saving thousands of lives during the actual Allied invasion in July 1943.

On the review platform, viewers and critics are lauding the film for its smart pacing and focus on character development.

One fan expressed their admiration, "Well written and superbly acted. Even though one may know the outcome, the suspense is enthralling. The two hours flew by. Excellent film and entertainment."

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Another spectator appreciated the movie's deliberate pace that pays off for those who invest in it, "This is the second or third time I've seen this movie, and it still captivates me in a way I think could be missed if you're not paying attention..

"It is a significant story told through the depth and intellect of its characters, as developed by very detailed writing."

Critics also commended the film's subtlety, noting, "Impressively nuanced and skilful storytelling... With restraint and subtlety, Operation Mincemeat avoids Hollywood bombast and cliché in favour of understated cinematic art. Plus it's a very British film, which offers added enjoyments."

Operation Mincemeat (2022) is currently available for streaming on Netflix.