Manipulation is a European conspiracy thriller from writer-director David Balda, in the tradition of puzzle-box mysteries where every clue hides another secret.
It opens in selected UK cinemas this Friday, with Heino Ferch, James Faulkner and Féodor Atkine leading the cast.
It wants to be a puzzle you cannot solve. Too often it is one you stop caring about.
Movie at a Glance
- UK release: In selected cinemas from Friday 6 November 2026 (BaldaFilm)
- Writer and director: David Balda
- Starring: Heino Ferch, James Faulkner and Féodor Atkine
- Certificate: 15 (UK)
- Genre: Conspiracy thriller
Viewer Match
- Best for: Fans of Da Vinci Code-style conspiracy mysteries.
- Maybe skip if: Far-fetched twists make you roll your eyes.
- Mood and pace: Serious, twisty and talky.
- Cinema or streaming? Not one you need to rush to the cinema for.
- Spoiler level: Spoiler-free.
A Puzzle Box
The film sets up a mystery full of hidden agendas and secret power, and its experienced cast lend it some weight. Heino Ferch and James Faulkner in particular play it straight and give it a little gravity.
It is clear Balda has ambitions to make a smart, international thriller.
Preposterous
Unfortunately the plotting is the problem. The twists pile up without much logic, the dialogue is heavy with exposition, and the conspiracy becomes harder to take seriously the further it goes. UK critics have been harsh, comparing it unfavourably to The Da Vinci Code.
It is never quite gripping enough to let you overlook the gaps.
Small Pleasures
There are moments of atmosphere and some handsome European locations, and the veteran actors are always watchable.
But they are working against the material.
Better Choices
If you want a thriller this weekend, there are stronger options in this week’s Weekly Cinema Pack. Try our The Whisper Man Super Review for something tighter, or see What to Watch Tonight.
Spoiler-Free Verdict
Manipulation has a capable cast and some atmosphere, but its preposterous plotting and clumsy exposition make it hard to take seriously.
- Performances: 6/10
- Direction: 5/10
- Screenplay: 4/10
- Score: 5.5/10
- Cinematography: 6/10
- Entertainment Value: 4.5/10
- Overall score: 5/10
Star rating: 2.5/5
Verdict badge: Skip It
One-line verdict: A far-fetched thriller that never convinces.
Watch the Official Trailer
Watch the UK trailer.
Do you love a conspiracy thriller, however wild? Tell us.