DIRECTOR
Anthony Maras
Hotel Mumbai

STARS
Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser, Kerry Condon and Chris Messina

I most certainly am not Moviedoc the meteorologist, but I do appreciate that even in 2026, the weather continually proves itself a challenge to accurately forecast.

Rewinding more than 80 years where tools to read and communications to share weather patterns were vastly different and far more restrictive compared to now, respectively, I can again appreciate the absolute uncertainty there must have been in predicting outcomes.

Aware of that fact but hardly accepting of it is General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser). It is 1944 during WWII, Eisenhower is planning the largest seaborne invasion in history in Nazi-occupied France but is reliant on favourable weather conditions for it to succeed. To ensure he receives the exact forecast required, Eisenhower hand-picks Scottish meteorologist Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), who must leave his pregnant wife behind and collaborate with a team of people who have just 72 hours until D-Day. Making matters more stressful than they already inherently are is American meteorologist Colonel Irving P. Krick (Chris Messina) and Stagg in constant disharmony over how to most accurately forecast the weather on D-Day and arrive at a mutually agreeable outcome imminently needed by Eisenhower.

Based on a true story and also on David Haig’s 2014 stage play, Pressure, a clever title assuming a double meaning, is an entirely engrossing experience.

Weather enthusiasts such as myself will be on cloud nine with the volume of educating and fascinating technical detail the writing dedicates to how both Stagg and Krick study, interpret and advise of weather conditions. Their bickering is also insightful by way of demonstrating how they differ in their approaches; Stagg assesses each weather pattern microscopically, independently and on its merits while Krick relies heavily on past data to predict future outcomes. Stagg is a frosty customer towards his team from the get-go, is uptight, and can be condescending towards Krick, rendering him not the most likeable lead character. Thankfully, the writing brings warmth as welcome as sunshine on a cold winter’s day courtesy of Eisenhower’s private secretary, Lieutenant Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), who is as devoted to her role in proceedings as she is to being a kind, understanding and caring human being. Furthermore, Stagg’s character development is well formed and eventually allows viewers to see his less serious side.

Pressure adapts to screen seamlessly and never appears theatrical. At a compact 1 hour and 40 minutes, the pacing is consistent and together with the music score and performances, keeps the film tight and tense all throughout.

Pressure is showing in cinemas across Australia from October 29th, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks Studiocanal and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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