Eye in the Sky
Welcome to the new front line
Overview
A UK-based military officer in command of a top secret drone operation to capture terrorists in Kenya discovers the targets are planning a suicide bombing and the mission escalates from “capture” to “kill.” As American pilot Steve Watts is about to engage, a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone, triggering an international dispute reaching the highest levels of US and British government over the moral, political, and personal implications of modern warfare.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Eye in the Sky reflects growing anxieties about drone warfare and the ethical implications of remote, targeted assassinations. The film taps into the ongoing debate surrounding the acceptable levels of collateral damage in the pursuit of national security, forcing audiences to consider the human cost of these decisions beyond abstract military strategy.
- The film presents a compelling and morally complex ethical dilemma with no easy answers, forcing viewers to grapple with difficult decisions.
- The performances are outstanding, particularly Helen Mirren as the steely Colonel Katherine Powell and Alan Rickman in his final live-action role, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a conflicted Lieutenant General.
- The plot is tightly paced and suspenseful, maintaining a high level of tension throughout as the characters race against the clock.
- It explores themes of collateral damage, the dehumanizing aspects of modern warfare, and the responsibility of command in an age of remote killing.
Fun Facts
- This was one of Alan Rickman's final film roles before his death in 2016, and the film is dedicated to his memory.
- The film was shot in South Africa, standing in for Nairobi, Kenya, to create the environments needed for the storyline.
- Gavin Hood, the director, is known for his ability to handle complex moral issues in his films, as demonstrated in 'Tsotsi' and 'Ender's Game'.