Critic Reviews

This is a serious film in the best sense of the term, a thoughtful film about people facing the direst problems with honor, intelligence, and courage that goes beyond the physical to include fearlessness about pursuing the truth.

Boring? Never. Thrilling and history-making? Indeed. Maras and Haig easily rise to the challenge to make the weather worth watching.

That the film is gripping even though audiences already know the outcome of the main event speaks to Maras’ tight direction and the strength of his screenplay with Haig.

The film belongs to the ever-reliable Scott, who commendably doesn’t take the easily sympathetic route with the anxious, uptight Stagg, playing him with a suitably dour chill to match his grim forecast — but also a stern, stoic integrity that you’d trust with your life.

Pressure is quality dad content. War movie fans and WWII buffs should appreciate the film’s devotion to detail, while mainstream audiences will be treated to a taut, compelling story about the very real men behind the icons who ensured an Allied victory. Brendan Fraser makes Eisenhower flesh and blood, while Andrew Scott adds another whipsmart protagonist to his filmography with his nuanced portrayal of meteorologist James Stagg.

Featuring an award-worthy performance by Andrew Scott in the lead role and solid supporting turns by Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon and Chris Messina, Pressure lives up to its title with its expert ratcheting up of sustained tension.

Pressure serves as a reminder of the many stories and individuals whose expertise and fortitude created the world we enjoy today. It also gives voice to the slim margins by which the war was decided. Perhaps the greatest act of service Pressure lends audiences, though, is the reflection of what all the sacrifices, violence and destruction was for.

Pressure is less of a traditional war flick than a satisfying chamber piece about how people use and communicate information when the stakes are sky high and groupthink is kicking in.

This is going to be the favorite movie of weather forecasters everywhere. As well it might. For a movie about the weather, it’s pretty exciting. And the cast, which includes Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon and Andrew Scott, is excellent.

Most of the liberties taken with the real history in “Pressure” only serve to enhance the drama, in a film where the built-in dramatic takes are already incalculable.