Is The Exception Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Exception is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Exception Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Exception emerges as a significant entry in the War, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Nothing is as it seems in this riveting World War 2 thriller as a wary soldier goes to investigate a mysterious German monarch at his secluded mansion, leading him into a web of deceit and a dangerous love affair with a local Jewish woman. Unlike standard genre fare, The Exception attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Exception features a noteworthy lineup led by Lily James . Supported by the likes of Jai Courtney and Eddie Marsan , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Exception (2017) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Exception Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Exception is a War, Drama, Romance film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Exception Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Exception concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to war resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Exception reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Exception Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Exception uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a war, drama, romance film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Exception adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Exception?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
The Exception Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $709.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Exception
- Lily James – Mieke de Jong
- Jai Courtney – Capt Stefan Brandt
- Eddie Marsan – Heinrich Himmler
- Christopher Plummer – Kaiser Wilhelm II
- Janet McTeer – Princess Hermine 'Hermo' Reuss of Greiz
Top Highlights
Lily JamesMieke de Jong
Jai CourtneyCapt Stefan Brandt
Eddie MarsanHeinrich Himmler
Christopher PlummerKaiser Wilhelm II
Janet McTeerPrincess Hermine 'Hermo' Reuss of Greiz
Daisy BoultonSecretary
Ben DanielsCol Sigurd von Ilsemann
Stéphane AuberghenFrau Linnenkamp
Aubeline BarbieuxBeatrix
Loïs van WijkLittle Girl
Where to Watch The Exception Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Exception is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.9/10, and global collection metrics, The Exception stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Exception movie hit or flop?
The Exception has received mixed reviews with a 6.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Exception worth watching?
The Exception is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Exception online?
The Exception may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Exception Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Exception
Mismarketed as a spy thriller, _The Exception_ is nothing more than a romance movie, a romance that has certain obstacles to be sure, but most any romance put to screen does. _The Exception_ is well acted, (which may come as a surprise to some people when it comes to Jai Courtney) but oddly made. There are certain presentation choices that seemed very bizarre to me, but not dealbreakingly so. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
**A look at the German Royal family during the WWII.** A book based film, partially inspired by the real, but I really loved. In the backdrop of the world war two, it focused on the German royal family, Kaiser. An officer sent to protect him during the nazi Germany's invasion of Europe, possibly from the spies. So during his stint, all events that unfolded were revealed to us with a twist at the end. The twist was predictable, so they did not hide it for the perfect moment and to make the film entirely rely on it. What's important is it was more a straightforward narration. Though there were some tense moments. Overall a great drama. I did not know what to expect, whether a thriller or romance, but it mixed them all together nicely. Of course, Jai was good, and so Lily James, but I was very impressed by Christopher Plummer. This film was awesome because of this 88 year old Canadian actor. Directed by a newcomer, and he did his part nicely. One of the fine addition to the world war two related dramas. It has a strong sex scene, otherwise would have been fit for all. Definitely I suggest it if you're interested! _7.5/10_
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
