1917

BY: Amanda Jane Stern

The trailer recently dropped for Sam Mendes’ newest film, 1917, and it looks intense. I felt claustrophobic just watching it. 1917 is set during World War I and centers around two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), who are tasked with a time-sensitive mission to cross enemy lines to deliver a message that will prevent a deadly attack and save hundreds of their soldiers (including Blake’s brother). Simple, right?

From the harrowing, anxiety-inducing trailer, it looks like we may be getting our next great war epic, following in the steps of films like Saving Private Ryan and Dunkirk. The film was allegedly shot in one single mocked-up long take, which will surely add to the feelings of unease when you watch it. This is Mendes’ second war film, his first was the 2005 Jarhead starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

1917 was co-written by Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns and directed by Mendes. 1917 is Mendes’ first official writing credit. In addition to George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, it has an insane cast of stars that includes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, and Colin Firth. 1917 was produced by Amblin Entertainment, which is Steven Spielberg’s company.

1917 is scheduled to be released in the US on December 25, 2019 and it will have an international release on January 10, 2020 by Universal Pictures.