It would be spectacular even if it didn't have a 'one take' appearance.

Rating: 8/10 (13 January 2020)

'1917 (2019)' is an exercise in suspense. As its two leads creep across an increasingly deserted 'no man's land', the music ebbing and flowing with each carefully placed step, the unseen threat of sudden death looms. It's constantly moving forward, yet manages to balance action and character incredibly well. It ebbs and flows, often moving straight from quiet contemplation to ear-rattling battle, and it's - more often than not - truly gripping. It's also unexpectedly affecting, tugging at your heart on more than one occasion. Of course, the thing on everyone's lips is its almost 'one take' appearance, crafted using clever camera-work and subtle visual effects. It is, undoubtedly, impressive. It hurts the flick almost as much as it hurts it, though. Sometimes, it creates a nearly unparalleled sense of immersion, wrapping you in an edge-of-your-seat fight for survival set over one hundred years ago. Elsewhere, it distances you from the narrative, more technically impressive than actually necessary; I find myself trying to figure out exactly how each 'hidden take' is achieved, with the answer typically being more spectacular than anticipated. Still, the experience is an absolute feat of film-making prowess. It's exciting, tense, stunning and sad, its story more poignant than you'd think possible for such a technically focused affair. It would be spectacular even if it didn't have a 'one take' appearance. 8/10