Drones

Drones is a 2013 indie thriller film directed by Rick Rosenthal, which proficiently combines elements of high tension and psychological drama with the ongoing contemporary debate of military ethics and technology.

The film's central focus is on two young Air Force officers, Jack Bowles (Matt O'Leary) and Sue Lawson (Eloise Mumford). Both work in a windowless bunker in Nevada where they control unmanned drones that fly over the Middle East. Communicating through secure connections and observing everything on the high-resolution screen in front of them, they are responsible for launching precisely targeted missiles. The military tech, visuals on the screen, and the constant communication with their superior, Colonel Wallace (Whip Hubley) help build an authentic backdrop for the rest of the storyline.

In this environment where life and death decisions are made at the press of a button, the narrative delves into the psychological implications of having such power, especially when the target is thousands of miles away and seen only through the drone's eye. The film asks tough questions about the morality of their roles and decisions without providing clear answers, leaving it open-ended to promote thoughtful discussion among the audience.

Also noteworthy is the film's perspective on the impersonal nature of drone warfare. Being at an unknown, unseen location and capable of concluding air strikes or surveillance missions with minimal human intervention, the film serves as a harsh criticism of such mechanized warfare and raises the question of culpability when things go awry.

Matt O’Leary’s performance as Jack is remarkable for its range and subtlety. He encapsulates the ethical dilemmas, guilt, and trauma of a soldier who fights a faceless enemy from a distant location exceptionally well. His character provides a nuanced view into the life of modern-day drone operators in the military and the psychological burdens they carry with them.

Eloise Mumford as Sue Lawson also delivers a strong performance, convincingly playing an officer who struggles with her duty versus personal conscience. Her character provides a counterpoint to Jack's perspective. Her disciplined, by-the-book approach begins to waver as the plot unravels, forcing her to confront the same dilemmas faced by her partner, Jack.

Whip Hubley’s Colonel Wallace is a stern, efficient, and detached officer who believes in achieving the mission at all costs. He never forgets they are at war and constantly reminds his subordinates of the significance of their duty.

The film's unique selling point is its portrayal of remote warfare and the effects it has on the operators controlling the drones. The characters are ensnared in a web of military duty, personal ethics, and the consequences of their actions, raising thought-provoking questions about modern warfare and its price.

Drones, with its minimalist setting, focuses more on a character-driven narrative. The whole movie unfolds in the claustrophobic isolation of the control bunker, enhancing the film's emotional gravity. The script, written by Matt Witten, is sharp, concise, and keeps viewers engaged throughout with its tense plot and dialogue.

Director Rick Rosenthal does an exceptional job orchestrating the movie, effectively using the confined space to build tension and suspense. The visuals are effectively composed, with attention paid to capturing the expressions and reactions of characters in real-time. The film's emotional undercurrents are explored through detailed close-ups, bite-sized dialogues, and the atmospheric pressures of the sound effects, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, Drones is a film that places an engaging human drama in the backdrop of modern warfare technology. It explores the ethical implications of remote warfare and provides an introspective look into the world of drone operators. The movie is a thrilling ride, perhaps even more momentous by the ongoing debates about the nature of warfare in the modern world. This nerve-wracking tension, combined with riveting performances, makes Drones a must-watch to understand and appreciate the cost, dilemmas, and implications of drone warfare.