I had ideas of how A House of Dynamite, Netflix’s latest Kathryn Bigelow-directed drama/thriller, would be. Especially considering a wonderful cast that includes Idris Elba, Greta Lee, and Rebecca Ferguson.

The compelling premise, one about several White House staffers dealing with an impending missile strike on the United States, is well teased in the trailers. Once the film started, along with the filming style and notable acting, the musical score stood out for expertly creating a constant sense of unease.

Bigelow’s film is split into three distinct parts. For me, part one is where the good news lives in terms of my experience of the film. It’s where we’re introduced to the high-pressure world of people bearing the weight of keeping America safe, should the incoming missile do its worst. These people are also processing the idea that within thirty minutes, they, along with many they love, and innocent civilians could very well cease to exist. These tension-filled scenes are captured in an engaging way.

Things went downhill for me when it became clear that parts two and three were capturing the very same events, covering the same period of time, but from the vantage point of different White House staff departments. Unfortunately, having to sit through a retelling of the same event wasn’t delivered in a way that proved adequately engaging for me. Essentially, I found myself feeling short-changed due to the repetition.

If you’re curious, give A House of Dynamite a chance. You may find parts two and three more engaging than I did.

Happy Film Loving,

G