1917 is a harrowing stunner of a movie that tells an astonishing wartime story with technical accuracy. Distinguished Director Sam Mendes has really out done himself with this immersive cinematic journey set at the peak of the 1^st World War. For one, he absolutely nails the rawness of trench warfare with incredible detail paid to the gritty elemental surroundings featured throughout. Trust me, you’ll feel as though you are right there in the middle of the dirt and gunfire of it all. Mendes has also created an extraordinary ticking-clock of suspense with a “real time” approach. You see, the movie plays out with the feel of a continuous take, making every scene, every interaction, every stop, every second feel important to the outcome. With that, it works its way to be more of a thriller than a war film, but regardless, overachieves as both. The one thing the film lacks, is extended character development, mostly given the nature of how the movie is played out. It’s not for a lack of trying, but while we get the essence of these men and pieces of their personal stories, it’s not enough to truly feel for them as much as we perhaps should. Regardless of some missed emotional heft, 1917 deserves to be celebrated for its remarkable storytelling and execution.