1917
1917
April 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.
Mike Martins reviewedSeptember 29, 2025
Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a technical marvel—a World War I drama shot to look like one continuous take, immersing viewers directly into the chaos of the trenches. It’s visually stunning, tense, and at times breathtaking. Roger Deakins’ cinematography deserves every bit of praise it received, with long tracking shots that place you right in the mud, smoke, and horror of war.
But for all its craft, 1917 feels like it’s missing something deeper. The plot—a simple “deliver the message or thousands will die” mission—sometimes comes off as more of a video game quest than a layered narrative. The characters, while sympathetic, aren’t fleshed out enough to leave a lasting emotional mark. It’s a movie you admire while watching, but less one you carry with you afterward.
That lack of heart and character development is what holds it back. It’s an extraordinary technical achievement, but the story feels thin compared to other war epics.
Verdict: Gorgeous to look at and skillfully directed, but somewhat hollow at its core. A solid 3 stars.