Review: Eye in the Sky - Politics and the Cost of War Collide

In context of the Middle Eastern drone strikes and the ISIS situation, Eye in the Sky is the most timely film released for some time. The One Entertainment and Raindog Films production zeroes in on of the elements that seems to get lost in war (and war films) - the value of a single life - especially where the video game feel of a drone strike is concerned. There are Shabab terrorists preparing for a suicide bombing in a Nairobi, Kenya "safe-house" and something has to be done to stop them, but there's a little girl's life at risk. This initiates the political, ethical, and humanistic debacle that drives the film forward.

A job well done.

There's a line in the historical drama Hotel Rwanda regarding terrorist attacks and distant killings: "If people see this...they'll say, 'Oh my God that's horrible,' and then go on eating their dinners." The cynical statement fits right in with the politicians' sentiments in the Eye in the Sky, albeit with a revised ending clause. They are afraid the people will vote them out, should a single drone strike kill anyone other than the intended targets.

For the military personnel involved, who only want to take action, one gets the sense that some won't be able to eat their dinner. The others capable of doing so are those who have been around and experienced firsthand "the cost of war." That cost - be it humanity, life, or reputation - is undoubtedly a central theme behind the movie.

The titular "eye in the sky" overlooking its target.

Eye in the Sky is both a war film and a political drama, and it is focused entirely on the ordering of one drone strike. The writing, carried out by Guy Hibbert, is tight and suspenseful despite the minimal physical action involved. Hibbert tells a cerebral story about decision-making and political responsibility, or lack thereof.

This film is also buoyed by an excellent directing job by Gavin Hood, whose work on Ender's Game appears to have served him sell. He infuses every situation with conflict. Nothing comes easy for the characters, and nothing should when there is a hard call to make. The consequences are large and as awful as they are noble, an ambivalence that is captured perfectly by Hood's skilled direction.

Additionally, all is well on the acting front, though the film has no real "star." Helen Mirren's performance as Col. Catherine Powell is sharp and she portrays a commander's frustration with her superior's inaction genuinely. Aaron Paul (of Breaking Bad fame) is also excellent in his role as a drone pilot and Pheobe Fox plays his new recruit co-pilot with weepy solidity. The politicians, who repeatedly pass-on responsibility to others, are portrayed in a capable fashion by the ensemble cast. The best performance, however, arguably comes from the recently deceased Alan Rickman, whose Lt. General Frank Benson has to deal directly with the political game of hot potato. It's unfortunate that there will be no further performances from the man.

Alan Rickman turns in a stellar performance.

Another area where Eye in the Sky succeeds is in its tight, cohesion. The stage is immediately set and virtually no time is wasted, unlike other films which choose to focus on the action side. There is one goal, kill the targets via drone strike, and there is one obstacle, a girl. The result is riveting and thought provoking.