The official UK trailer for the film starring Christopher Plummer, Lily James, Jai Courtney and Eddie Marsan has been released, ahead of the film being released in cinemas on the 29th September. 

Based on Alan Judd’s novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss, The Exception is a World War II thriller filled with danger and romance.

Nazi captain Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney) is sent on a mission to investigate a threat to the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). Arriving at the Kaiser’s secluded mansion, Brandt learns that local resistance and British Intelligence are moving in on the deposed German monarch. As he begins to infiltrate the Kaiser’s life in search of clues, Brandt finds himself drawn into an unexpected and passionate romance with Mieke (Lily James), one of the Kaiser’s maids.

The film also stars  Janet McTeer (TV’s The White Queen, The Woman In Black), Ben Daniels (TV’s House Of Cards, The Hollow Crown) and a  cameo from Eddie Marsan (Their Finest, War Horse) as Heinrich Himmler.

The story has been brought to the screen by director David Leveaux (The Glass Menagerie with Jessica Lange, Neil LaBute’s The Distance From Here).

First impressions of the trailer: it certainly seems like there is plenty to keep the audience hooked with elements of drama, action and romance all thrown into the mix to keep things lively. The cast is a solid line up – a great combination of experience as well as upcoming stars such as Lily James to perhaps draw a younger audience who might not normally be interested in this type of film.

Every snap shot of a scene provided in the trailer captures a small hint of the number of twists and turns that could potentially happen along the way – in short it is a very effective trailer.

What have critics said about the film so far? 

Variety: “the director coaxes a masterful performance from Plummer”

The NY Times: ” diverting and occasionally exciting film, though it is rarely disturbing or thought-provoking in ways the material might require.”

The Hollywood Reporter: “a competent if calculated WWII-set drama.”

Vulture: “David Leveaux keeps the pacing taut while creating space for his actors to work their magic.”

Paste Magazine: “Leveaux’s is a romantic and pleasantly small film about love in an era when love always contested with duty to something greater.”

The Exception will be released in cinemas on the 29th September.