102 minutes, Drama/Thriller, M

They say that time is of the essence. This phrase is not only critical to what will transpire throughout the taut and tense EYE IN THE SKY, but also the timing of its release couldn’t be more essential than what it is now. The premise of this dramatic thriller is one we’ve either become used to viewing as popcorn entertainment (Hello, LONDON HAS FALLEN!) and/or is expressed patriotically to the rest of the world. Not so in EYE IN THE SKY though. This is the opposite of escapism. A horribly real situation that occurs somewhere in our world on a daily basis is the subject in which we are required to observe, assess and form our own opinion of. 
Helen Mirren stars as Colonel Katherine Powell, a military officer in charge of an operation taking place in Kenya. She and her team have been closely monitoring a premises in which they believe terrorist activity is being planned, with the impending attack due to occur at any moment. Those above and below Col. Powell, including Lieutenant General Frank Benson (the late and great Alan Rickman, in his final live-action film role), are about to face their toughest conundrum yet.

The unmistakable objective of Guy Hibbert’s distinctively written screenplay and an interesting cinematographic perspective make EYE IN THE SKY a strongly immersive motion picture that summons all of the pertinence and urgency required. In director Gavin Hood’s best film since RENDITION and TSOSTI, we are granted exclusive behind-the-scenes, fly-on-the-wall type of access to the shot-callers from all over the world in command of a covert and critical operation. As another phrase goes – there are always two sides to a story, and the terrific writing & acting work enables every viewer to grasp each characters perspective and frequently opposing views, even the ones you find yourself disagreeing with. Backed up furthermore by a palpable score, EYE IN THE SKY is seriously compelling, thought-provoking stuff. Highly recommended.

4 out of 5

EYE IN THE SKY – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents 
For a mature audience aged over 13. It contains war/terrorism themes, infrequent violence and coarse language. It is also worth mentioning that some footage seen here may be distressing to some viewers.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Claire from Entertainment One, Entertainment One and The Backlot Studios for the invite to the media screening of EYE IN THE SKY.

Review by Moviedoc
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