96% Critics’ Score

Academy Award-winning documentarian Errol Morris pulls back the curtain on the storied life and career of former British spy David Cornwell — better known as John le Carré, author of such classic espionage novels as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Constant Gardener. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the Cold War leading into present day, the film spans six decades as le Carré delivers his final and most candid interview, punctuated with rare archival footage and dramatized vignettes. “The Pigeon Tunnel” is a deeply human and engaging exploration of le Carré’s extraordinary journey and the paper-thin membrane between fact and fiction.

“An interrogation of art and artist, The Pigeon Tunnel is an enthralling documentary both for fans of le Carré and those who’ve never read a page of his work.”—Empire Magazine

“It’s a treat to learn that, before he died in 2020, the great novelist David Cornwell, aka John le Carré, provided Mr. Morris with an in-depth discussion of his deceit-steeped life and works. I was enthralled by every minute of it.”—Wall Street Journal

“[The Pigeon Tunnel] feels like a collaboration of kindred spirits. It is, above all, utterly entertaining and, though one hesitates to admit it, thoroughly convincing.”—Wall Street Journal

“A coherent, cohesive, and sometimes jarringly frank portrait.”—RogerEbert.com