D-Day is arguably one of the most interesting topics in the history of mankind. It is easy to understand why there are hundreds of films, shows, books, games, etc. all focusing on this singular world-changing event. It is a near impossibility to find even elementary school children who don’t have at least some knowledge about the Normandy invasion, but have you ever considered that weather could have changed the outcome?
Pressure focuses on the meteorological determination on whether the largest land invasion in Europe would even be possible with high emotion and even higher stakes in the final three days leading up to the Allied forces storming the beaches.
Adapted from the stage production by David Haig, Pressure is an exercise in tension and stays true to its roots making the film feel constricted to the same field a play would have to work within. Relying heavily on performances on a wildly talented cast.
Fresh off Wake Up Dead Man, Andrew Scott leads the production as James Stagg, the British chief meteorological officer. His ability to be restrained yet deliver emotion in just his face explodes off screen throughout the film. With minimal effort, he takes what could be considered a shallow story and adds the gravitas needed for the character.
While Scott leads the cast, Brendan Fraser leads the in-film invasion as Dwight Eisenhower. To be honest, I was concerned by this casting despite the unparalleled performance Fraser gave in The Whale. From the moment he arrives on screen, that worry dissipates. He commands the room as a real general would. There’s layers to his performance as well. It is impressive to watch how he even affects his presence to match the needs of the scene.
It is a good thing that these heavyweights of performance are at their best as I fear the subject may be too niche to maintain an audience, but there are a few groups that Pressure is absolutely going to be a must watch for when it comes out May 29th. Theater fans may feel like they are watching the highest quality West End production. Drama fans can appreciate this as well as many classic period pieces. Most interestingly, meteorophiles are going to have a field day with an entire picture dedicated to weather analysis, researching, and analysis.