SINGAPORE : He unravelled the shady world of politics in his breakthrough directorial debut, “Michael Clayton”. And two years later, director and screenwriter Tony Gilroy is back with “Duplicity”, in which he ventures into another sinister environment, the corporate world.

“Duplicity’s” tagline - Outwit, outspy, outsmart, outplay, then get out - explains everything about movie, but you’re never quite sure who has the upper hand.

Former ex-M16 spy Ray Koval (Clive Owen) and ex-CIA agent Claire Stenwick (Julia Roberts) who have a romantic history, are undercover spies working for rival companies - Equikrom and Burkett & Randle respectively - battling for top spot in their industry.

As the plot unfolds, it begins to resemble a corporate version of “The Departed,” - minus the blood and violence - exposing the dirty tricks employed by corporate giants to outgun one another.

But little do they know that their spies are partners in crime and have their own set of tricks up their sleeves to steal the formula for a new top-secret product for their personal gains.

Under Gilroy’s masterful screenwriting (he was also responsible for the “Bourne” trilogy and “Michael Clayton”), “Duplicity” will keep you engaged with a series of surprising twists and unexpected character developments that leave you at the edge of your seats.

Through a series of flashbacks, audiences learn more about their unusual courtship and the reason behind the couple’s sizzling yet intense love-hate relationship.

Owen and Roberts who paired up in 2004’s “Closer”, are the obvious stars of the show. Their pairing is a lovely blend as neither outshines the other in both acting and the looks department. As individuals, they exude individual charm and intelligence beyond their attractive appearances; and as a team demonstrate immaculate chemistry and make one sexy pair.

The rest of the cast support admirably, and much credit should be given to Paul Giamatti who plays the role of Equikrom’s ruthless and self-indulgent CEO Richard Garsirk. One is tempted to wipe the annoying smirk off his face and yet can’t help but admire his ‘professionalism’ in getting ahead in the shady corporate world.

What sets “Duplicity” apart from most spy flicks is its focus on mind games. The basic elements of anticipation, fear, suspicion and trust interlocking with one another provide the unexpected twists which leave audiences going, “Wow, why didn’t I foresee that?” at the end.

My only gripe with the movie is its slow pace. At 125-minutes, “Duplicity” is a tad too long for my liking and a little more speed and intensity would have been much appreciated. But the smart and engaging plot, as well as the sexy pairing of Owen and Roberts, more than make up for that.

- CNA