STORYLINE: In the seventy two hours leading up to D-Day, all the pieces are in place except for one key element–the British weather. Britain’s chief meteorological officer James Stagg (Scott) is called upon to deliver the most consequential forecast in history, locking him into a tense standoff with the entire Allied leadership. The wrong conditions could devastate the largest ever seaborne invasion, while any delay risks German intelligence catching on. With only his trusted aide Captain Kay Summersby to confide in, and haunted by a catastrophic D-Day rehearsal, the final decision rests with Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower. With only hours to go, the fate of the war and the lives of millions hang in the balance. (IMDb)

     Rustin (2023) told the story of the gentlemen who put together MLK’s match on Washington, and how the event came together. Capote (2005) was the story of the writing of the novel In Cold Blood, and its author.  Joining these, and other biopics that tell a story that is a peak behind a historical mile stone is Pressure.

     There are many films about the Second World War, fiction, non fiction, and documentary.  Pressure showcases a unique part of the war, one I never thought about.  The movie tells of of the final hours, leading up to the D-Day invasion, in General Eisenhower‘s office. The movie focuses on the meteorology team, as they predict the weather for the upcoming invasion.  It’s an interesting view point, and again one I never thought to consider. 

   Pressure shows VERY little combat.  Instead, it draws its drama on creating tension on building up to the moment, to decide whether or not the invasion will happen. There is often clashes between meteorologists, as they differ in their styles of meteorology.   

   Sprinkled though out the film are aspects of the war, such as air raids.  These aspects are not shown, but their impact felt, on the characters.  These bits, sprinkled throughout the movie, add to the dramatics. 

    I am a fan of leas actor Andrew Scott. As a fan of the James Bond flicks, naturally, Spectre (2015) comes to mind when talking about his work.  The film of his that is the one to see is Pride, from 2014.  It is a combination of comedy, drama, sadness, and triumph all from an incredible true story.  In Pressure, he gave the stand out performance, but Pride is where he truly shined. 

    I am not saying pressure is a bad movie.  The film is filled with suspense and dramatics. That is what I wanted when I sat down, and when I walked away, I was pleased with what I got.

    Until next time, I will see you at the movies!