Greyhound Review: An Unrelenting, Intense Naval Thriller
In great moments of crisis, someone’s true character can be revealed. Greyhound, the film originally set for theatres but now finds itself as a premium film on Apple TV+, digs into just that by focusing on those aboard the USS Keeling (its callsign being the titular Greyhound) as they face daring odds against German U-boats during World War II.
There is an exceptional drumming beat of exhilaration at its heart, where the score by Blake Neely, the tight writing of star Tom Hanks, and the precise direction of Aaron Schneider all coincide into a perfect storm of intensity.
Greyhound is exceptional during these moments, where all of its aspects work as one to create a brilliant atmosphere of every second counting.
These unrelenting scenes of tense, tight battles and concern for their allies as split-second decisions rule the day make for some unbelievably cathartic bursts of excitement, unveiling how all of the cogs are in sync, doing exactly as they intended.
Despite the larger scope outside of the USS Keeling, the film still manages to come across as intimate and personal, even when broadening out during its action scenes.
Its special effects and the use of distance from allies and enemies are combined to effortlessly give us all the information we need to know exactly the dire circumstances they find themselves in.
It’s within those slight adjustments, those brief asides, and the thrumming of shelling and gunfire where Greyhound finds its most success, as it takes no time at all to see these character’s actions taking shape and laying bare who they are as they face impossible choices.
The film does suffer from jargon overload, where naval lingo is flying left and right and can leave less naval-knowledgeable viewers a little in the dark. Fortunately, the direction and the editing go hand in hand to portray the more complicated maneuvers and strategic attacks so that the words are matched by their respective image.
While some may find there is a lack of characterization within the film, it’s there in the brief calm, in the quick looks of the men, and the choices made in haste. Everyone is imperfect and has reason to second-guess themselves, but it’s in trusting one another to do their jobs where their characters are revealed.
Tom Hanks’ Captain Krause is particularly central to this idea, as you can read the doubt cast on his face during every move and every choice, where you can practically hear the anguish he feels at any loss under his watch and decision-making.
It’s a rather subtle performance for Hanks, to be sure, but it’s one that stands triumphant as Krause battles himself in a war much bigger than him.
Greyhound uses its snappy, chipper runtime to get in and get out without missing a beat, where every minute counts and every minute is used with purpose. With so much at stake, the film becomes a gauntlet of intense force in order to see another day.
It’s a fantastic thriller with a great leading performance from Tom Hanks, leaving an impact with its brilliant score, great cast, and wonderful direction while respecting and honoring those in service.
Are you excited for Greyhound? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Greyhound is available for streaming on Friday, July 10 on Apple TV+.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.