Our Review

                     Movie: PRESSURE

                        Rating: PG-13

                         Length: 1:40

               Release Date: May 29, 2026

Jeanne: In 1961, as John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was in preparation for his inauguration, he asked Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President and leader of the Allied forces in World War II, what it was that gave him the upper hand on D-Day. Eisenhower replied, “Because we had better meteorologists than the Germans.” So goes the story behind PRESSURE.

 

Based on the 2014 stage play by David Haig, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Anthony Maras, PRESSURE is a gripping true story about the 72 hours leading up to D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. With so much at stake --- millions of lives and the fate of the War --- General Eisenhower, played by Brendan Fraser, realizes the weather is a major component.

 

And while his trusted, long-time meteorologist, Irving P. Krick (Chris Messina), is at hand to advise, Eisenhower feels he needs someone more familiar with the ever-changing weather in the United Kingdom. At Winston Churchill’s insistence, he has Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott) brought to the Allied Headquarters at Southwick House. Originally from Scotland, Dr. Stagg is considered the eminent meteorologist in all of the UK.

 

From the get go, Stagg and Krick disagree on what the weather will be for D-Day, which is scheduled for Monday, June 5th. Stagg’s approach is very different from Krick’s, employing data from outpoints all over the region, as far away as Nova Scotia. Whereas Krick relies on past meteorological maps to predict the weather. Obviously, the pressure to make the right decision on when to land at Normandy is incredibly intense.

 

But Stagg will not be deterred in his forecast of horrific weather taking place on June 5th. And Eisenhower is being persuaded feverishly by Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis) to stick to the original date so the Germans have less time to prepare. Playing go-between is Lt. Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), Eisenhower’s most trusted aide, who is as stubborn as her boss --- and able to hold her own in a room full of overblown egos.

Even though this harrowing true story regarding Stagg and his weather predictions is widely unknown, it does not make it any less exciting. Who knew weather could be so riveting? But with so very much relying on the correct forecast, Stagg’s predictions take on a life of their own.

 

Haig and Maras’ screenplay manages to adroitly convey the intensity of the situation. Every single one of these men in charge of this invasion is painfully aware of the necessary outcome --- with the final decision entirely up to Eisenhower. And the actors portraying them are all quite adept at bringing the required potency to their performances.

 

Much of the success of PRESSURE is due to its excellent cast. Scott’s ;portrayal of James Stagg is captivating. He’s a quiet man who would much rather be home in London with his very pregnant wife, but he is also well aware of the importance of his job. Scott is more than capable of showing us every side of Stagg, including his inability to suffer fools. It’s quite an astonishing achievement.

 

Condon and Lewis turn in the remarkable efforts for which they are known. Condon’s Summersby is especially pivotal --- it’s so refreshing to see a woman in a position of power, even if it is through her authoritative boss.

 

My only real complaint about PRESSURE is the casting of Fraser as General Eisenhower. Though I think Fraser is an exceptional actor, he is physically all wrong to play this powerful leader, who was actually rather diminutive at 5 feet, 10 1/2 inches, 172 pounds. Fraser is 6’4” and around 230 pounds, so it was somewhat distracting to see the character of Eisenhower towering over everyone else in the room.

 

It would be criminal not to mention the masterful work by cinematographer Jamie Ramsay, costume designer Liza Bracey and production designer Daniel Taylor. Period dramas, especially those revolving around WWII, rely primarily on these talented people to tell the story with the utmost realism --- and with PRESSURE they have succeeded spectacularly.

 

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

David: An astounding cast blends its talents to produce a devastatingly suspenseful true story about World War II never told before on film. The success of the Allied forces D-Day invasion of Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944 depended heavily on favorable weather conditions, but two meteorologists --- arguing days and then hours before hand --- have divergent opinions on what is favorable. And General Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower had to make his decision about the invasion in an agonizingly short amount of time.

 

PRESSURE is based on the 2014 stage play that was presented that year in Scotland, written by David Haig. Haig also played the central character, Captain James Stagg, over 300 times in the production. When executives at two studios saw Haig’s play years later in London, they realized the story would make a great movie.

 

As plans to make the film became solidified, writer/director Anthony Maras, already with the superb film called HOTEL MUMBAI on his resume, was named to lead PRESSURE. This led to the casting of Brendan Fraser as Eisenhower, Damian Lewis as Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, Kerry Condon as Kay Summersby, chief assistant to Ike, and Chris Messina as Ike’s head meteorologist Irving Krick. But most importantly, the fine Scottish actor Andrew Scott signed on to portray Dr. James Stagg.

 

Scott’s role in this story is critical as he is the only weather expert who doesn’t placate Eisenhower on the all-important forecast. Krick relied on past history of storm activity, even dating back 20 years, as his basis for saying the invasion could go on as planned. But Stagg vehemently disagreed. As the two men butted heads, Ike watched in utter frustration as the hours ticked by.

Scott’s performance is Oscar worthy. He plays Stagg as defiant, convincing and knowledgeable, all the while dealing with a pregnant wife who is about to deliver back in London. Messina is equally effective as the stubborn weatherman, Krick. Condon is completely convincing as the woman whom Ike depends upon. Lewis is a major pain for both Stagg and Eisenhower.

 

As for Fraser, he portrays the no-nonsense general who fears failure as much as he covets success. Some may recognize that Fraser is a much larger man than Eisenhower was, and call it miscasting. But there is no doubt about Fraser’s performance being a strong one and essential to this gripping saga.

 

PRESSURE wastes no time grabbing the viewer’s attention. Its relatively brief running time is testament to the concise screenplay and the consummate talent behind and in front of the camera. Easily one of the best films of the year.

 

Opinion: Strong See It Now!