Capsule reviews for Jan. 24

Inheritance

The verite visual aesthetic enhances the sense of gritty urgency in this globetrotting espionage thriller from director Neil Burger (The Upside) that lacks the narrative coherence or logical grounding to yield a comparable emotional payoff. After her mother’s funeral, Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) impulsively tries to reconcile with her estranged father (Rhys Ifans), not realizing he is a spy caught up in multiple conspiracies, false identities, and criminal enterprises. As Maya puts herself in peril, her loyalties become torn. A propulsive performance by Dynevor (Fair Play) garners sympathy for a character whose desperation fuels a series of far-fetched twists in this muddled look at fractured family dynamics. (Rated R, 101 minutes).

Liza: A Truly Terrific, Absolutely True Story

Her legions of fans won’t mind the transparently hagiographic approach of this documentary — as hinted by its overzealous title — saluting showbiz icon Liza Minnelli and her enduring legacy. Even if the film lacks meaningful insight beneath the sequins and tabloid headlines, director Bruce David Klein assembles a wealth of archival footage and a deep roster of adoring interviewees to accompany the charismatic Liza herself. The result is an upbeat retrospective about her upbringing in the spotlight, those who influenced her development as a multifaceted performer and pop-culture star, and the challenges she’s faced along the way from relationships to health. It enthusiastically captures her essence. (Not rated, 104 minutes).

Rose

Conveying a universal story of grief and aging with rich cultural specificity, this quietly perceptive French comedy resonates with compassion beneath its melodramatic surface. Rose (Francoise Fabian) is a 78-year-old devout Jewish widow struggling to get past losing her longtime husband. Gradually, she comes out of her shell and out of his shadow, impulsively exploring her own life and finding new interests — romantic and otherwise — that cause friction with her adult children experiencing their own turmoil. Rookie director Aurelie Saada finds a charming balance of humor and heart, even as the script too often detours into thin or extraneous subplots. Fabian’s portrayal makes it blossom. (Not rated, 102 minutes).