Greyhound

Greyhound, directed by Aaron Schneider, is a taut and suspenseful World War II naval thriller that takes audiences on a perilous journey across the shark-infested waters of the Atlantic. The film's focus lies on the unrelenting efforts of a solitary commanding officer, Captain Ernest Krause, as he leads a flotilla of U.S. Navy destroyers through the treacherous "Black Pit," a notorious stretch of sea infamous for its heavy German submarine traffic. As the Allied forces seek to secure crucial beachheads in Western Europe, it becomes clear that the movement of men and supplies across the channel becomes the war's most critical aspect of strategy. The once-formidable naval umbrella over the convoys has been torn asunder by the German air fleet, leaving the Allied forces severely exposed to attacks from beneath the waves. Captain Krause is immediately thrust into the deep-end as he takes command of the U.S.S. Keeling, an early-model destroyers assigned to escort the troop-laden convoys traversing the treacherous waters of the Black Pit. On the eve of the fateful 5-day journey, Captain Krause is handed a grim set of circumstances – his ship is a new addition to the Allied forces' slim arsenal; no U.S. aircraft are available to offer air support; and his crew is partially comprised of inexperience sailors thrust into their roles under the pressure of impending combat. With a daunting assignment at hand, Captain Krause instills in his crew the significance of their task and instills an unwavering focus on being prepared for the most gruesome possibilities. As Captain Krause sets an unyielding pace to ensure their continued march towards safety, an endless series of German submarine sightings unfold, triggering violent cat and mouse battles for dominance in the sea. The German wolf packs have been growing bolder in recent days, instilling deep anxiety in the Allied naval hierarchy, an anxiety that Captain Krause is driven to systematically quash on behalf of his crew, a diverse ensemble made up of seasoned officers, newcomers, and seasoned sailors. Throughout the intense journey, Captain Krause gradually builds greater discipline within his crew as situations are called and needed. Personalities pop through as seasoned veteran, Lieutenant Henry Kloug (Peter Santa Maria) debates and clashes with the young, dynamic officer 2nd Lieutenant, Chris Hill (Jonathan Harden). Against the pressure and chaos however, certain signs of camaraderie flourish between Kloug and his son-like Officer in Charge, Officer 1st class, Winston Carter (Tom Glynn-Carney), and an invaluable relationship which could ultimately be the make-or-break moment when faced against the onslaughts of enemy ships surrounding them. The unyielding atmosphere gripping Greyhound results not in an immediate victory of the American forces, but a battle-heavy cinematic rendition with ongoing fights that sometimes slow the pacing of the narrative briefly, leading audiences to focus on each major confrontation to progress in what appears to be a no-win case. This is much reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's classic film, the "Lifeboat," only this gripping naval tale evokes an epic ambiance that embodies the struggle of unrelenting fighting and makes audiences grasp onto the fragile hope these determined naval operators have had so fervently. Admirable performances from Tom Hanks in the main role of Captain Krause and an incredible overall cast only contribute to an exceptional atmosphere presented here. The portrayal from Hanks underscores the unyielding stature one comes to expect from his acting when being engaged in almost any film's central part. Key scenes portraying raw human stress – experienced in ship raids, while facing his superiors or revealing deep inner fears – illustrate an evocative force of what was this remarkable sea-faring voyage done after. The cinematic expertise Aaron Schneider utilises can actually hold one spellbound as they revel in the valiant camaraderie that appears to spark up within these desperate moments, a moment made less threatening due to our knowledge of who Captain Krause will ultimately emerge with when needed most.