Focus Features’ “Pressure,” a political thriller tackling D-Day, which saw the largest human invasion in history as Allied forces landed in Normandy, is another World War II movie — a classic genre that’s been around for over seven decades.
The film appears to focus on the minute-to-minute minutiae leading up to that historic day — strategy, decisions, and the pivotal moments that determine how to finally pull the trigger and make history.
Directed by Anthony Maras and co-written with David Haig, adapting Haig’s 2014 stage play, “Pressure” is set during the intense 72 hours before the largest seaborne invasion in history. The story centers on General Dwight D. Eisenhower, played by Brendan Fraser, and Royal Air Force meteorologist James Stagg, portrayed by Andrew Scott, whose weather forecast will decide whether the critical operation in France has any chance of success.
The first “Pressure” trailer suggests it’ll be a two-hander, focused on Fraser and Scott. Kerry Condon will appear as Eisenhower’s assistant Kay Summersby, while Chris Messina, Damian Lewis, and others round out the ensemble.
Listen, the trailer is somewhat appealing, but what an odd casting choice: having Fraser, who stands a towering 6’4’’ and weighs around 240 pounds, play the comparatively slight Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was short and skinny. Did this project only get greenlit because Fraser was cast?
Now, if Focus had such prestigious confidence in “Pressure,” it wouldn’t release it in May — but we’re open to being surprised, as it could serve as a kind of adult-oriented programming amidst the IP deluge of the summer movie season.
When evaluating a movie’s prospects, it’s always good to check the director. In this case, Maras made his feature directorial debut in 2018 with the tense and commendable “Hotel Mumbai,” starring Dev Patel. The film depicted the true story of the Taj Hotel terrorist attack in Mumbai, as hotel staff risked their lives to keep everyone safe.
“Pressure,” Maras’ sophomore effort, will be released in theaters on Friday, May 29.
Exarchopoulos will of course forever be known for her lead turn opposite Léa Seydoux in Abdellatif Kechiche’s Palme d’Or winner “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” released in 2013.