Restless (2012)

As the plot simmers and thickens, Restless keeps its focus on the core story, avoiding the temptation to become a war epic. This serves viewers well. Call it December's best-bet sleeper.

In both time frames, the period is richly evoked, and the performances are universally fine.

It's a testament to the crackling intelligence of the script (written by Mr. Boyd) that the nature of that menace hangs elusively in the air until the end.

It never flags in pace, and all the performances, even the smaller ones (like Gambon's), are enthralling.

By the second part of this excellent thriller you won't know who are the bad guys and who are the really bad guys, which is how it's supposed to be.

The uncommon acuity of Boyd's script is immeasurably bolstered by an outstanding female cast.

Restless could benefit from a little more development of the characters Eva works with--it would make their stories more meaningful and poignant--but overall this four-hour miniseries is a strong entry.

The second chapter isn't much more eventful than the first.

Good performances, good period details, good payoff. But Restless would've worked better as a two-hour film.