Pressure Review: A sincere and captivating D-Day thriller relies on the storm report.

      Can an engaging film be made about weather predictions? Pressure, directed by Anthony Maras, confirms that it can. Taking place just days before D-Day, General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) requires an accurate weather forecast to proceed with the operation as intended. The film opens with a stark depiction of the disastrous aftermath of Operation Tiger, a D-Day training exercise that ended tragically just months prior. Hundreds of American soldiers fell victim to friendly fire due to severe miscommunication. Eisenhower is portrayed as resolute yet shaken, surrounded by British generals who assert they could better lead the Allied Expeditionary Force (AEF) to success. Damian Lewis embodies this sentiment with his dynamic portrayal of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, the commander of all D-Day land forces.

      Andrew Scott takes on the role of meteorologist James Stagg, who is recommended by Churchill to assist with the forecast. This leaves Eisenhower’s trusted American meteorologist Irving Krick (Chris Messina) in a secondary position to Stagg. When the moment arrives to provide the weather predictions, the two men find themselves at odds, forcing Eisenhower to decide whom to trust. This conflict is the essence of Pressure. It is genuinely intriguing that the film succeeds as well as it does. It maintains a quick pace and features incredibly entertaining supporting performances, particularly Kerry Condon as Eisenhower’s personal secretary, Kay Summersby. Ultimately, Pressure skillfully explores the intricacies of war: the infighting, gossip, assumptions, and regret. The weather! These elements are crucial and significant.

      Scott portrays Stagg reminiscent of a lead from one of Powell and Pressburger's World War II films—I couldn’t help but think of David Farrar from The Small Back Room. Stagg is self-assured, changeable, and not particularly likable. Until, of course, he reveals another side. Messina plays off Scott effectively, with his portrayal of Krick being the complete opposite (aside from confidence). He is cheerful and charismatic, making the most of his military experience. Fraser’s portrayal of Ike is filled with bravado, yet the Oscar winner’s soft and vulnerable facial expressions reveal his underlying unease. At one point, Eisenhower confesses: “When I close my eyes, everything I see is failure.” It’s an intriguingly peculiar performance that stands out in the ensemble, which seems to be the goal.

      Maras optimizes the limited sets available. Almost every scene unfolds in a meeting room, aside from a particularly influential sequence in a nearby church. Production designer Daniel Taylor merits significant praise for creating a detailed, lived-in environment filled with the tensions of war-planning. Cinematographer Jamie Ramsay also impresses, skillfully contrasting shadowy, foggy rooms. One might wish he pushed this further, introducing a noir style to the interiors.

      Pressure is an engaging, thrilling film that recalls a type of studio picture now mainly produced by mid-sized companies like Focus Features. It also pays tribute to those who faithfully execute their duties. Too often, we elect leaders like Eisenhower while overlooking the contributions of those who support their success.

      Pressure will be released in theaters on Friday, May 29.