The Adjustment Bureau

The directorial debut of screenwriter George Nolfi, The Adjustment Bureau is a complete rarity—a charming and remarkably subtle science-fiction film. Loosely based on a Philip K. Dick story, the movie follows a group of fedora-wearing gents as they in turn follow promising young Brooklyn-born politician David Norris (Matt Damon). Although his senatorial campaign gets derailed, David has the luck of encountering the lovely Elise (a radiant Emily Blunt), and the two have immediate chemistry. However, in a consciousness-altering scene, David runs into his dapper watchers (notably led by Mad Men's John Slattery) and discovers that a relationship with Elise isn't part of the Plan. Aided by the empathetic Harry (Anthony Mackie), one of the "adjusters" who tweak reality to fit the Plan, David finds out more about his conundrum, but is undaunted in remaining with Elise. David's defiant actions lead to plenty of chases, which are kept at an engaging clip and beautifully showcase numerous New York City locations. With its clean gray look and streamlined pacing, the film presents a welcome break from gritty dystopian sci-fi scenarios, and even its few special effects are low-key, allowing space for naturalistic performances by Damon and Blunt. Equal parts existential thriller and romance, The Adjustment Bureau is an exceptional movie that is sincere enough to spend time pondering one of life's great enigmas—the mystery of love.