The biggest surprise at my screening of PRESSURE (Anthony Maras, 2026) at Cineworld was the elderly woman in a wheelchair vaping huge clouds of smoke and a smell I initially thought was some kind of bubble gummy perfume. I was too stunned to think much of it other than admire her brass.
As to the film itself, about the impact meteorological predictions had on the scheduling of D-Day, the vast stakes in that decision, and the pressure that in turn placed on those making it, I liked it very much. It’s all rich browns and golds, with a nostalgic dimension, including singing of hymns at chapel, iconic images of England – the rolling hills, the stately homes, the variable weather – and, as a finale ,whether the protagonists’ wife lives and whether the child was safely born which could have been overegging but isn’t. But for the scene of the D-Day landing, it’s mainly filmed in medium-length shots and close-ups, an intimate focus on a great historical event. The main thrusts invites a comparison to current events – unlike the orange one’s thoughtless and impetuous war on Iran – this is measured, debated, down to the last detail, even to what is predictable about the weather. It’s a film that valorises facts, data, knowledge, method, argument, debate, discipline; and in which the loss of life is integral to the decision making. The film doesn’t make a direct comparison to current events but the juxtaposition inevitably arises.
The acting is admirable: Andrew Scott reliably excellent and nuanced – the sound he makes at the hospital near the end is so expressive and moving. Brendan Fraser surprised as Eisenhower; he is so physically unlike the pictures of the eventual President, but ends up utterly convincing; Kerry Condon is believable as Kay Summersby, Eisenhower’s no-nonsense, unflappable but sympathetic private secretary (and lover); and I adored Damian Lewis as ‘heigh-ho old chap’ bullyish Montgomery; it’s a turn but excellently done.
I enjoyed it much more than I thought and was surprised to be so moved.
Jose Arroyo
