By Glenn Kay, For the Sun
Rating: 3 out of 4
Running Time: 100 minutes
This film from Focus Features is now in theaters.
We’ve seen a great many films over the years about World War II, with dozens of pictures recreating invasions and epic battles, in addition to tales about citizens trying to survive the Nazi occupation. It would even be understandable to think that the majority of stories about the conflict have already been told. However, the new war drama Pressure, based on a popular stage play, does present a unique perspective. And, while a movie about World War II and weather patterns might seem like something only an octogenarian would enjoy, this effort works far more effectively than one would anticipate.
As the film begins, German forces have occupied France and seem ready to take all of Europe. With the fate of the war in the balance, Allied forces plot to land on the beaches of Normandy in an attempt to liberate the country. Known as D-Day, this was and remains the largest seaborne invasion in history.
The film begins with Scottish meteorologist James Stagg (Andrew Scott) being recommended by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to study weather patterns and offer Major General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) his opinion about the specific day planned for the operation. U.S. Air Force meteorologist Irving P. Krick (Chris Messina) believes that growing storms in the Atlantic Ocean will clear up and he gives his approval, but the blunt, unpopular Stagg interprets the data differently. He expresses concern that the mission will fail if it goes ahead, much to the scorn and dismay of those around him.
As noted earlier, the film is based on a stage play, meaning that the story isn’t focused on the invasion itself, but the behind-the-scenes arguing about tactics and the weather’s potential effects on battalion movements. It is essentially about a major difference of opinion between Stagg and, well, everyone else, and his attempts to convince those around him of his viewpoint. Naturally, Krick and the others don’t want to be contradicted by a stranger who will cause a delay. But while the film is set on a group of talking heads, the movie does an excellent job showing the incredible stakes involved in making such a decision. It’s rare for a war picture to show the intense psychological weight on those giving final orders, and this film tackles it.
This is another good role for Fraser, who has given several strong performances in recent years. He capably displays Eisenhower’s leadership skills and imposing nature when speaking to underlings, while also hiding a deep fear of the potentially devastating outcome should anything go wrong. Behind the scenes, there is a sense of doubt, as well as guilt over a trial operation that went horribly wrong, adding extra layers to the historical figure.
But of course, the story is told from Stagg’s perspective, and Scott is exceptional in the lead. What could have been a very dry tale is well-handled here, with the meteorologist dealing with being the odd-man-out and struggling to cope with aggressive superiors. There is also a personal struggle for the character, who receives horrible news while being verbally attacked by those around him. Despite his brusque manner, Scott makes a potentially difficult character relatable. It’s clear that the cast have done their work exceptionally well later in the film, which involves individuals standing around and waiting to see if and how the weather changes. If they weren’t as good as they are, this could have been unintentionally amusing, but the performers manage to create palpable tension as they look up to the skies.
Admittedly, this movie does have a minor issue or two. As written, a character or two in the feature are depicted as relentlessly difficult or too aggressive in their negative treatment of those around them. The film may also be too sentimental during its denouement, and since most involved will be aware of what ended up occurring during D-Day, it is difficult for some aspects of the film to surprise viewers.
Yet this is a fascinating story that moves at a zippy pace and benefits from its impressive cast. I had no idea of all that went into the planning of the D-Day invasion (at least, as far as the weather was concerned), and this approach allows for a fresh angle on a familiar event. Pressure is a war movie unlike many of its ilk, and will make a positive impression on multiple age groups in the process.
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