In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg face an impossible choice–launch the most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether.

There’s a moment in the trailer for Pressure when Brendan Fraser as Dwight Eisenhower (pre-political career) emotes so strongly that it tarnished almost all the interest I had in the movie. Thankfully, I saw it anyway, and am happy to report that not only did that scene not make the final cut of the film, but the movie itself is actually quite charming.

Andrew Scott is James Stagg, a meteorological officer who is tasked with delivering a proper forecast to Allied Commander Eisenhower so Ike can decide the proper plan for D-Day. It’s the highest of stakes. The literal fate of the world resting on this information. But Stagg’s forecast is in conflict with Ike’s expectations, and with American meteorological leader Krick (Chris Messina). Basically, Stagg thinks it’ll rain in a couple days, despite the bright sunny skies. Krick thinks it’ll stay bright. If the allied forces attack and rain does come it could derail the attack. But if they wait, it could give the Nazis the advantage. Quite the pickle.

Look, we know how it turned out. But that doesn’t detract from the movie’s enveloping tension. Scott’s Stagg is a tightly coiled stoic who internalizes everything. Fraser’s bombastic leader is intent but calculating. Messina’s Krick is boisterous hubris. They are joined by Damian Lewis as the British commander, and Kerry Condon as Eisenhower’s top aide, both of whom pepper some humanity into the film.

Despite the WWII setting (and some great footage interspersed in the film), the movie doesn’t stray from its narrow focus and delivers a captivating film that glides along like a strong breeze (sorry).

Jonathan’s grade – B