Eye In The Sky

Tough choices and moral issues come into effect for this thriller, set around the politics of war and the outcome those actions create. It’s directed neatly with an aim to rack up tension and see how all sides are affected by one moment.

At least two extremists from Al-Shabaab are located inside a house in Nairobi. Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) wants to capture the targets but this mission soon changes as she and Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) see something life-threatening in the building. Now it’s a back and forth of what to do as Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) is ordered to shoot to kill.

Not just a gritty war film, this outing makes things intellectual as it raises questions about the choices made in combat. In fact, this film manages to get into your head enough that you end up thinking about what you’d do if faced with the decision the characters are dealing with.

Gavin Hood directs a taut thriller showing those on the battleground and military personnel in comfy rooms as human and stuck in the moral quicksand of legalities and political attention. It’s directed in a well paced way, Hood gladly making this an unusual war film as we see more of a philosophical side to what goes into making a choice that could enhance terrorism propaganda or kill many innocents.

We flick between different locations, but there are four main places that all link very well and tie up the idea of a worrying ticking clock to levels so high that you hold your breath. The truth ends up being shifted as stats are altered but with Guy Hibbert’s screenplay it all feels natural and brings the stressful rules of politics and military tenacity to life.

The music stands out vividly in my memory, burning intensely like the masterful Sicario score. I’m very happy that they made a character’s fate go in a sad but right direction to making this movie more realistic. I must admit too much red tape to and fro between many political figures having their say gets slightly laughable amongst the drama driven Nairobi predicament, but that’s my only negative.

Helen Mirren brings an authoritative demeanor to her role and makes her Colonel thirsty for getting her man/woman. She’s not just that though, and you do see, even amongst her flexible truths that she’s affected by what happens at the end of the movie. Aaron Paul is more human, bringing a wet eyed performance as Steve. Alan Rickman in his last physical role is great; he brings a dulcet tone and powerful assurance to the character. He also ends with a truly poignant and memorable comment about soldiers and the consequences of war.

You cannot help but take sides when watching this. It manages to bring you right into the dilemma of the film’s main plot and question what you’d do. A clever, ethical and tense film which makes you think.

7.5/10