The Current War Review: A Wondrous And Joyful Experience From Beginning To End

Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Cast: Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicholas Hoult, Katherine Waterston, Michael Shannon, Tuppence Middleton
Rating: 12A
Running Time: 108 mins
Release Date: 26/07/2019

On occasion, a film emerges from the numerous choices we are faced with these days that really gives you something to reflect on as the final credits roll.

With the incredible speed at which technology is moving, the rivalries between the likes of Apple and Microsoft are as heightened as ever, with each trying to be the one to take it to the next level. However, where would they be without the pioneers of electricity, who engaged in as vicious a battle towards the end of the 19th Century, when they were on the cusp of what turned out to be a revolution in its’ own right.

A new film (well, sort of new) brings this fascinating and enlightening tale to the fore.

The surprising thing about THE CURRENT WAR is that it has taken two years for it to reach the big-screen, even more so given the cast on show within. Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Katherine Waterston, Tom Holland and Nicholas Hoult lead the line. However, this was purely down to the purchase of Weinstein Company assets by Lantern Entertainment in light of the controversies surrounding Harvey Weinstein.

The lack of a release earlier may have impacted somewhat on whether the film was going to see the light of day, but happily though, UK audiences will get a chance to find out on the big-screen (a good two months before the US release in October 2019) – and with big thanks to Entertainment Film Distributors – with a movie that should garner sufficient momentum in the market-place, with help from its’ stellar cast, and a story that will stimulate the mind.

THE CURRENT WAR invites us to share in the trials and tribulations of two men who had an instinct for something pioneering. Cumberbatch plays Thomas Edison, the developer of the first practical incandescent light source, whilst Michael Shannon plays industrialist George Westinghouse, who believes in the potential of Direct Current

Both are family men: Edison has the support of Mary (Tuppence Middleton), Westinghouse has Marguerite (Katherine Waterston). Each man has the clear power and access to create an opportunity to bring the modern world in sync with the potential of alternating and direct current. Both pose risks and the power that both Edison and Westinghouse possess could well decide the future of not only their own careers, but that of the modern world as it continues to discover incredible realities about the potential – and wonder – of science….

THE CURRENT WAR is a wondrous and joyful experience from beginning to end, slowly engulfing and enveloping you in a visual and verbal tapestry of near-perfect performances and top-notch behind-the-camera technical virtuosity. Co-Executive Produced by Martin Scorsese, there is clear influence from the directing legend here, as the events that unfold also tie in with why we are where we are cinematically 

It is also refreshing to see a historical epic that clocks in at a nice and neat hour and three-quarters, without any of that indulgent creativity that many directors of the genre resort to sometimes. Here, the compactness of the narrative and sticking to the key facts and events draws you in further. To that end, it is a big shout out to director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and writer Michael Mitnick‘s work as sole screenwriter on THE CURRENT WAR.

As well as being visually stimulating and hugely entertaining to watch, thanks to the great leading performances by Cumberbatch and Shannon, who stamps his authority and makes his case as the best character actor in American cinema today – and great support from Waterston (who has continued the family legacy of her father Sam with stirring performances) – THE CURRENT WAR will have much appeal to Science-minded students who can learn a lot from this story.

This is a movie that ticks all the boxes on all levels, and is a near-perfect cinematic experience. Quite simply, in my humble opinion, the best Historical Drama since THE KING’S SPEECH. It’s what we all yearn to see when we come to a film – talented actors doing what they do best, coupled with seamless visuals and editing, resulting in an experience that will want you to come back for me. 

It would be easy for me to use every critical pun in the book to highlight the impact of the film (‘Electrifying’, ‘Performances simply crackle’ – and so on, and so on), but THE CURRENT WAR doesn’t need anything like that to reach what it intends. It’s above all that and above-average.

What do you think of the casting for the film? Will you be watching the movie when it arrives in cinemas? As always, we like to know your thoughts, so you can leave a comment below, tweet us @filmandtvnow or drop us a comment on our Facebook page.

Please follow and like us: