****
This well-acted and tense film is based on the true story of events in the 72 hours leading up to the D-Day invasion. It was directed by Anthony Maras (Hotel Mumbai) and written by Maras and David Haig, based on Haig’s 2014 stage play.
The Allies are ready for their D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, which would begin Operation Overlord. The planned date for the top-secret invasion was June 5, 1944. The only thing that could delay the operation was the weather.
Even though Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, played by Oscar winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale), has his own chief meteorologist, on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s recommendation, he brings in Group Captain James Stagg, played by Emmy nominee Andrew Scott (Ripley, Black Mirror), as chief meteorological officer for this operation.
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When Stagg arrives, there is less than three days until the planned operation. Eisenhower tells him that he will need his forecast to “go” or “not go” before that. Eisenhower wants certainty on the forecast, but Stagg tells him that is not possible with a weather forecast, but will do his best to get him an accurate forecast by the time stated.
Stagg is serious and gets to work quickly. From the beginning however, there is conflict with Eisenhower’s long-time meteorologist Irving Krick, played by Chris Messina. The two disagree on the forecast and Eisenhower has to display strong leadership with thousands of lives on the line.
Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin), plays Eisenhower’s personal secretary Kay Summersby. All communications to Eisenhower must go through her.
There is great pressure on Stagg to issue a “Go” forecast, especially from ground forces commander Bernard Montgomery, played by Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers). Will he cave to the pressure, or stand firm and issue the forecast that he believes is best?
Though there is some brief, but brutal war violence depicted in the film, most of the film takes place within the Southwick House, the main command post for the Allies as they are preparing for D-Day.
The film includes a powerful scene that takes place in a church nearby Southwick House on the morning of Sunday, June 4, the day before the planned operation. Eisenhower and his leadership team are gathered for worship. Accompanied by an organ, they sing “All Creatures of Our God and King,” a hymn about how all things in nature—even “rushing winds that art so strong”—praise God.
In addition to the war violence, the film does include some adult language, including the abuse of Jesus’ and God’s names.
Pressure is a well-acted film with a good cast. It’s one of the best films I’ve seen this year.
