‘Pressure’ is a Serious Oscar Contender
June 1944. A month that could have been like any other, but instead was the beginning of a summer that would change the world forever. Amidst the growing conflict between the Allied and Axis powers, tension was at an all-time high, and it felt like global destruction was inevitable. And yet, both sides of the war persisted in seeking a solution to end it without ending the world as we knew it. As most of us who passed our high school history classes know, the deadliest war in human history ended with a victory for the Allied powers, but perhaps not many know the story of what it took to win. However, Focus Features’ recent release, Pressure, aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes of World War II in an awe-inspiring story.
Directed and co-written by Anthony Maras, along with co-writer David Haig, Pressure asks, what if a war could be won with science instead of just pure strength? In a time when technological advancements were growing exponentially, with both sides roughly equal in that regard, those in charge of the Allied forces needed something else. It’s here that they turn their eyes to the skies, looking for an advantage that seems impossible to predict, and even more so to discern. With career-defining performances from Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser, Pressure isn’t just Oscar-bait; it’s a serious contender for this upcoming award season.
This film is a slow burn that builds with increasing pressure, asking audiences to look towards the stakes of our past and how we’re doomed to repeat it if we don’t learn from our mistakes.
[Warning: Spoilers from Pressure are below!]
Gods among men save the world in Pressure
While this film follows the work and journey of Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), it’s the story of General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) that truly begins the film and also serves as the driving force behind Pressure. Having witnessed mass casualties due to some poor decision-making, Eisenhower is haunted. He’s seen things that he can never forget, and as a result, he’s looking for a sure-fire way to end the war with as few lives lost as possible. This takes us to the beaches of Normandy in the shadow of D-Day.
A plan is formed, and the stage is set; however, what Eisenhower and the other high-ranking officials present at Southwick House need is confirmation to go. This confirmation isn’t from a world leader, but from a group of meteorologists who are doing their best to predict the weather. What the forces need is a 72-hour window with clear skies and calm seas, and it’s up to James Stagg and the rest of his team to determine when that window can happen.
Predicting the weather wasn’t as simple or as easy as it is now, but not to say that meteorologists have an easy time nowadays. However, back in 1944, it was just as much guesswork as it was science, which is a point of contention amongst those at Southwick House. Some experts, such as Irving P. Krick (Chris Messina), use pattern recognition to determine to predict the weather, but James has other ideas.
Using weather data from around the world, he determines that a wicked storm is headed straight for the English Channel, which would undermine the success of Operation Overlord. It’s an uphill battle against the smooth-talking Irving, who has charmed everyone at Southwick House. Can James convince those calling the shots that moving forward with Operation Overlord might be the biggest mistake of their life?
Moving performances speak volumes in this film from Focus Pictures
I’ve personally always been someone who has loved biopics. There’s something incredibly fascinating about watching someone’s life play out in front of you. Some biopics are better than others, while some films take liberties in telling the story for dramatic effect. However, there’s also a strong chance they’ll be slow, as biopics are person-centered stories, which don’t always brim with action. That said, most biopics are authentic as they explore an extraordinary person or situation.
Those whose lives are depicted in Pressure are nothing short of extraordinary. Audiences are watching one man whose expertise fundamentally changes the tides of war and of the world. You can’t help but be in awe of what is happening on the screen in front of you, even if it’s a slow burn of a story. Pressure slowly ratchets up the tension, first due to James’ less-than-stellar personality, then into a standoff between him and everyone else as he insists they must listen to his weather predictions.
Pressure finds a way to balance this larger-than-life story of the operations at Southwick House with the personal stakes for both James Stagg and Eisenhower. The latter has an intense case of PTSD from what he previously saw, although he’ll never admit it as a man of his time. However, James’ stakes are ever-present, with a pregnant wife who is ready to give birth at any time, separated by distance and the presence of violence. He’s torn between his reality and saving the world, which is just about the worst place someone can possibly be.
These two characters are two sides of the same coin, wanting a better world tomorrow, but worried about what that means for today. There’s a weight on both James and General Eisenhower’s shoulders, which feels insurmountable, like defusing a bomb under great duress. Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser aren’t just playing roles in this film, but instead are embodying these characters completely.
Sure, perhaps they aren’t carbon copies of the physical men, but it’s the essence that these two have found from both Eisenhower and Stagg. You can tell that both men understand the importance of this story, which could also be attributed to David Haig, who has spent a significant amount of time with it. Haig has done incredible work to bring depth to all of these people, who history might have forgotten without the spotlight.
Final thoughts on Pressure
Pressure is one of those films that will linger in your thoughts for a long time after the credits roll. It’s a story about incredible endurance in the face of adversity. It’s a story about hope and what happens when you stand with conviction regardless of what others say and do. Pressure is primed to be the talk of award season, as this film is brilliant in almost every way. Whether you’re a fan of war films or love a story that has a deep emotional impact, Pressure is the perfect cinematic experience.
Pressure is playing in theaters! Have you checked out the film yet? What did you think? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
