James Marquand's The Partisan tells the story of World War II Polish spy Krystyna Skarbek. In real life, she was a remarkable woman. Working for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), she undertook countless dangerous missions behind enemy lines, reportedly becoming one of Churchill's favourite spies. This film attempts to bring her incredible story to life. However, it struggles with this gargantuan task.

The film is two-fold, telling the story of both her first and last mission. Krystyna's world is murky and perilous. People can be double-agents or loyal partisans. Krystyna herself retains this sense of chaos and unpredictability. Although her morals remain consistent, she lies with ease, even to herself.

At times, the script, also written by Marquand, struggles with her portrayal. A mini-series might have been a better option, to allow time to breathe life into her story. It's a film that isn't certain about itself. Is it an action film? Or a character study? The result is an odd melange of both. What compels Krystyna? Who is she? Why does she do what she does? Where did she learn all her badass skills?

One can also compare this to the 2018 film A Private War about journalist Marie Colvin. A similar woman, whose lack of fear during the theatre of war allowed her to do incredible things. Marie's biopic, for lack of better words, is sobering and engrossing. The Partisan has so much potential with Krystyna's story. Ultimately, it doesn't reach the same level of psychological thrill as A Private War.

The most striking aspect of all is the considerable artistic license taken with her story. Was any of that necessary for a real-life story such as hers? Did her story need embellishing? It seems a disservice to her memory.

Motivations from other characters can be unclear. Who are they and why do they do what they do? No one is asking for the film to be spelled out, but some context would help.

Morgane Polanski, who plays Skarbek, does the best with what she's given. She is excellent in the role. With a Polish father and a French mother, thus fluent in French, Polish and English, she's perfect. Her face is incredibly expressive yet can switch to impassiveness with ease. It is prefect casting.

Malcolm McDowell, always a delight, is not in the film for particularly long. He is one of the aforementioned characters who plays her British SOE handler, but one wonders, ‘Who is this guy?' To belabour the point, his role in the film is billeted as ‘Trench Coat'.

The film does not struggle with a lack of budget. A level of authenticity runs through it – the set decor, costuming, and pyrotechnics are excellent. Cinematographer Karol Łakomiec has worked magic. The visuals are impressive and bold. Cities to forests to mountains to small villages are all settings. Normally challenging to any filmmaker, there are no wobbles here. This is a very well done re-creation of the 1940s.

All in all, the film is promising. By all means watch the film if only for Morgane's performance. She is a future Oscar winner. If spy movies, or historical dramas are your thing, then you will enjoy The Partisan.

The Partisan will be released on 30 September