1917 is a simple story made into a staggering experience with a level of immersion unlike anything else. Set during WWI on April 6, 1917, the story follows young British soldiers Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) as they set off on a seemingly impossible mission.
The two are tasked by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) to deliver a message that will stop their comrades from walking into a trap set by the Germans - a mission that requires them to cross into enemy territory and thereby save the lives of 1,600 British soldiers, one of which is Blake's older brother.
In a race against time, Schofield and Blake are immediately off, wasting no time beginning their treacherous, nerve-wracking journey. Starting off with one unfortunate incident after another, the tension and anxiety of their mission builds quickly, but the film is well-paced, with interspersed moments of quiet and emotion allowing for some temporary relief.
It could be argued that these calmer moments are the most highly affecting. In between the adrenaline hits, viewers see the clear cost of war and the humanity that is sacrificed. The conflict between resignation and hope, between loyalism and empathy is perfectly portrayed in the performances of both MacKay and Chapman.
The main criticism that I have heard about 1917, and something that I feared upon initial view was that its one-shot format was some sort of dizzying gimmick - this, however, could not be further from the truth. While at the very least, the movie is undeniably a technical, cinematographic masterpiece, traveling alongside the protagonists is precisely what makes 1917 so astonishing. Its one-shot format is far from a ploy or novelty - rather, it's what turns what seems to be a relatively simple story into a remarkable overall experience.
The level of immersion experienced by viewers as they encounter obstacles in real time with Schofield and Blake is what forces us into the horrors of war alongside them. 1917 is about a mission of determination and desperation, and these would have been lacking had the story been told in a conventional manner. With a world built around a script, the level of set planning and choreography that went into the film is enough to consider it a theatrical triumph.
Overall, 1917 is a filmmaking masterpiece on multiple levels. It is a visceral experience and a heartfelt story wrapped up with absolutely stunning imagery and supported by a hauntingly beautiful score throughout.
Rating: 4.5/5