Despite what this photo shows, most of this film takes place in the cramped officer’s quarters in the trenches during a fateful WW1 battle. Asa Butterfield is the new soldier who’s assigned to be the eager baby-faced innocent. He encounters a kind Paul Bettany and a damaged Sam Clafin and they talk a lot. Judging from the continual claustrophobic encounters, it’s obvious that this came from a play. The actors all get a chance for dramatic moments, but they don’t add up to much impact. The director’s one-note approach and the continuous despair get tiresome. Despite all the death and drama, this movie never builds to any emotional payoff.
(2 / 5)