The Wasteland Reviewer

Pressure (2026) Written Review

What is one of the biggest wild cards that affects every aspect of life? The weather. We complain about it. We wish for certain types of conditions. We bask in a beautiful day. There is so much that goes into predicting what the weather is going to be like and that process has evolved so much over the years. Meteorologists get a lot of flak for never being able to predict the weather precisely but there is no certainty in the realm of nature. One of the most significant weather forecasts of all time dictated the fate of the most important attack in the history of the world. World War II brought civilization to the brink of destruction and D-Day was the necessary play for the Allied forces, but this amphibious assault relied upon the right weather conditions to be successful. The new historical drama, Pressure, tells this tale and shines the spotlight on the game-changing contributions of Dr. James Stagg.

How does Anthony Maras, the writer/director of Pressure, bring a story about predicting weather to life? On paper, this might not sound like the most cinematic experience (which is also adapted from the stage play by David Haig, but Maras and his crew find ways to give the film a more dynamic feeling. One of the biggest contributors is cinematographer Jamie Ramsay. There are some impactful shots throughout the film that leave a lasting impression (including some impressive shots of the clouds in the sky as well as some heavenly POV shots that give the film scope and perspective). There is also an intimacy to how the camera engages with the actors which makes a lot of sense for stage roots of the story. One of the most noticeable elements in the film (in a good way) is the score from Academy Award winner Volker Bertelmann. The score certainly leans into classic war film motifs but finds fresh instrumental inclusions that give the music layers and power. One of the most impressive things that Maras brings to the table is the tension and suspense that he injects into a story that we all know the ending to. Of course, the Allies make a successful invasion of Normandy, but Maras treats each decision and altercation like it is the most unnerving and earth-shattering moment in time. The film delivers plenty of tension and moves well to engage the audience.

Does Maras’ adaptation make Pressure an engaging and poignant experience? This film is a story of science, data, and evolving technology. Data analysis is such a significant element of life as existence is full of patterns that can be explored and forecasted. Pressure is at a time where meteorology consisted of a lot of old weather charts and using history data to predict the future. But Stagg’s contributions pushed the limits of expectations to bring weather forecasting into a more timely and accurate manner. The conflict at the core of this film is so effective because it is so human. A highly intelligent scientist whose whole reputation is questioned because he is sticking to the current data no matter what people want to hear. His most immediate conflict is with an American counterpart (Irving Krick) who is overly confident because of previous success and fights for his own reputation. There is the conflict as well between the military minded players (Eisenhower, Montgomery, etc.) who want an easier forecast because it means they can do what they are tasked with…fighting a war. The dialogue, interactions, and conflicts are all so well-written and deeply human. This is a generally tight film with a modest runtime (especially for a war film) but there are some moments in the narrative that feel like they stray away from the focus and drag the film at times. There are certain elements that feel a little capital “D” dramatic for the sake of tension and the film loses some of its authenticity. But Maras does a great job of leveraging a few opening sequences in the first act to clearly define the characters, so the audience understands where each of these characters stand in the conflict.

How does the cast deliver in bringing this stage play to the screen? The film is filled with excellent performances that aid in grounding this historical drama. Andrew Scott does excellent character work in bringing Stagg to life. His stoic and focused demeanor easily displays the “no-nonsense” perspective of Stagg. There are plenty of subtle facial expressions and other acting choices that allows Scott to bring this man to life so authentically. There are moments of vulnerability that he sells completely with his facial expressions and his eyes. He also gets a moment or two to bring some big energy. Speaking of big energy…Brendan Fraser’s boisterous performance is commanding. Eisenhower is presented as an imposing man whose big shoulders carry the weight of this war and world changing decision. Fraser’s approach to acting is big and that fits well with this famous figure. But Fraser truly stands out in the moments of quieter contemplation and vulnerability that he sells through powerful micro-acting decisions. Kerry Condon’s character of Kay Summersby is more of a supporting presence for the men in the film, but she brings a confidence, strength, and empathy that makes this character shine (which could have easily been a character that could have melted into the background). Chris Messina brings a bravado to Krick that matches this man’s confidence but believably shifts when he is eventually humbled by Stagg’s expertise. There are plenty of strong supporting turns but one of the most interesting and engaging is Damian Lewis as General Montgomery. There are so many clever acting choices from his voice to his physicality. Lewis brings confidence and abrasiveness under a refined English veneer in such an impactful way.

Is Pressure a worthwhile war drama on the big screen? There are certainly moments where Haig’s play feels a bit limited in this new cinematic format. There are also a few narrative beats that feel a tad distracting from the lean and focused narrative at the core. Maras delivers an engaging and thrilling drama despite those flaws. Some top-notch filmmaking, a brilliant score, and a truly committed and powerful cast make Pressure a strong effort.