Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite Raises Tensions in New Thriller

London, United Kingdom — Kathryn Bigelow‘s latest film, A House of Dynamite, is making waves as it explores a tense scenario of nuclear crisis. The movie, released on Netflix after a limited theater run, follows U.S. officials during a looming missile strike.

Set against a backdrop of political urgency, the film delves into the emotions and decisions faced by officials as they grapple with the reality of an incoming nuclear missile. Critics have lauded its depiction of high-stakes drama, with reviews averaging about 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Some describe it as ‘brilliantly entertaining’ and a ‘cautionary tale’.

The Pentagon, however, has voiced concerns over how the film represents the U.S. missile defense systems. An internal memo from the Missile Defense Agency stated that while the film highlights potential failures of deterrence, it inaccurately portrays the current capabilities of defense technologies.

In the movie, Jared Harris, portraying the defense secretary, claims U.S. interceptors have a 50% success rate. The Agency countered this, explaining that modern interceptors have maintained a 100% success rate in controlled tests for over a decade.

Bigelow, known for her award-winning work, notably The Hurt Locker, noted that she did not consult with the Pentagon before making the film. “I felt we needed to be more independent,” Bigelow stated on CBS’s Sunday Morning, although she confirmed that several technical advisors were present during filming.

As the film gains attention, audiences are responding with mixed feelings. Many critics highlight the importance of the film’s subject matter while also acknowledging its nerve-wracking storytelling style. Some had reservations about the film’s pacing and repeated perspectives but agree on its significant impact.

With a star-studded cast including Idris Elba as the President, A House of Dynamite stands out this Halloween season not only for its thrilling content but also for its urgent commentary on modern warfare. The film now reaches viewers worldwide via Netflix.