Review: Netflix Italian thriller The Big Fake is smart, restrained and allows tension to build naturally

The Big Fake is a film that leans heavily on its people as much as its plot, and that choice gives it a weight many modern thrillers lack. Streaming now on Netflix, this 2026 psychological thriller has been dubbed into English. For the most part, the dubbing is handled competently and allows the Italian film to flow without much interruption. That said, there are moments when it does briefly pull you out of the experience, particularly in more emotionally charged scenes where timing and expression matter most. Thankfully, those moments are the exception rather than the rule, and they do not derail the film’s overall impact. The Big Fake is inspired by true events, about an aspiring artist who became a master forger for criminal gangs in 1970s Rome. The cast are the film’s strongest asset. This is an ensemble built on restraint rather than ego. Performances are measured, grounded and believable, with characters behaving like real people making difficult decisions under pressure. No one is reaching for theatrics, and that discipline suits the tone of the story perfectly. What works especially well is the interaction between characters. Even in quieter moments, there is an undercurrent of tension that never fully disappears. Glances linger, conversations feel cautious, and there is a sense everyone is holding something back. The cast plays this beautifully, allowing suspicion and unease to build naturally rather than forcing it. The pacing supports those performances. The Big Fake takes its time, giving scenes space to breathe and relationships time to develop. It trusts its cast to hold attention without rushing from one plot point to the next. When pressure escalates, it feels earned because the foundations have been carefully laid. Visually, the film remains restrained and functional. The camera often stays with the actors, letting performances carry scenes rather than cutting for emphasis. It is a smart, confident choice that keeps the focus on character rather than spectacle. While the dubbing occasionally reminds you you are watching a translated performance, the strength of the cast and the quality of the storytelling largely overcome that hurdle. It is a minor distraction in an otherwise well-constructed film. It’s a smart, controlled thriller that values character, tension and patience, and one that proves strong performances can still carry a film even when the delivery is not entirely seamless. The Big Fake earns a score of 4 out of 5.