Loosely based on true events, Triple Agent is a departure from Eric Rohmer's previous films, in that it is an espionage tale, and yet has similarities too, since its about an infatuation, a love affair in the middle of subterfuge.

Fyodor, a young Russian army general, an émigré in Paris in 1936, and his Greek girlfriend Arsinoé are caught up in a period of political instability and much plotting amongst local affiliated groups. Is he spying for the Soviet Union, the Nazis, the anti-communist white Russians or perhaps all three? Whichever, he is playing a very dangerous game.

Triple Agent is a tale of treachery and suspense that is far different from 007, since there are no action chases here. Much of the film is taken up with dialogue, since the conniving is done with little asides here and there between those who trust and those trying to coax secrets from others. At times, it seems too much of a talkie. You yearn for more action and less spouting off of party doctrines and for something interesting to take the story forward.

However, in the final third, things improve immeasurably. The consequences of certain actions, involving Fyodor and Arsinoé, are dramatic and will give you much to think about. Some may find the world that Fyodor inhabits baffling, unless they are familiar with, or interested in, Communist activism during that period, but the world of distrust and betrayal is common to espionage films and, rather like a game of chess, this is one in which a plotted move has to be well thought out if agents are to avoid the suspicion of colleagues.