This film is told from a high level, literally. Mostly using drones for surveillance and firepower, a military officer (Helen Mirren) commands a mission to stop terrorists in Kenya. This is framed around tense discussions among government leaders about the political issues of collateral damage. Meanwhile, in Nevada, the remote pilot (Aaron Paul) is tasked with firing the actual bomb and risking the lives of innocents. While the debate and consequential dilemmas are compelling, there’s not much on-the-ground action. This is mostly carried out from remote locations, rendering the film more a moral/political debate with real-life consequences. The performances and tight editing help make this predominately intellectual interchange an absorbing experience.
(3.5 / 5)