The Wall -an Amazon Original Movie

The Wall, an Amazon Original movie from 2017, directed by Doug Liman and written by Dwain Worrell, is a suspenseful war drama worth watching for a thrilling dose of reality. This visceral tale of survival, set during the Iraq War, presents a showcase for its inspired casting choices, principally, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena. Laith Nakli’s dominating voiceover performance cannot be discounted and it rounds out the cast.

The Wall primarily revolves around two American soldiers - the experienced sergeant, Shane Matthews, convincingly played by WWE veteran John Cena and the cerebral, emotionally exposed Isaac, delivered with great intensity by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his role in Kick-Ass. These soldiers find themselves pinned down by an elusive sniper. Their only cover between them and the deadly sniper is an unsteady, crumbling wall in the barren Iraqi desert. This precarious setting intensifies the suspenseful narrative and significantly raises the stakes for the characters involved.

The storyline sharpens when the soldiers realize that not only is their enemy an exceptional marksman but also a master manipulator with insidiously predatory instincts. This merciless enemy is voiced by Laith Nakli, who, though unseen for most of the movie, makes his presence felt throughout with his relentless menacing agenda and as the catalyst for the movie’s heightened tension.

While it might initially seem like a straightforward war film, The Wall delves into the psyche of its characters, drawing the audience in to witness both the physical and psychological warfare undertaken by them. The Wall is an intriguing blend of an intense survival drama and a meticulous psychological chiller, nuanced with a definite edge of grit and suspense.

Doug Liman, known for his work in Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow, gives a fresh take on the war film genre, distilling it down to its rawest elements. The direction tightly adheres to the arid desolate location and the perspective of the two main characters, thereby encapsulating their terror, confusion, struggle, and will to survive. The limited setting and minimalistic approach remarkably ratchet up the suspense and emotional depth of the film.

The Wall's cinematography is equally compelling. The desolate Iraqi landscape is graphically reflected, with an extreme barren visual perspective that adds to the overall intensity and suspense. Every single rustle of wind, every slight movement in the dust, amplifies the increasing uncertainty and tension.

The screenplay by Dwain Worrell from his Black List script is stripped down to essentials - atmospheric, engrossing, and relentless. Aided by Liman's engaging direction, and Johnson and Cena's commanding performances, Worrell transforms what could have been a simplistic conflict into a high-stakes game of wits.

Adding another layer of intensity is the sound design. Every gunshot, every whisper, every breath is magnified to an extraordinary level, creating a mounting sense of dread. This is matched by the stark and subtly percussive musical score by brothers Adam and Henry Taylor, adding to the tense and haunting atmosphere the movie aims to achieve.

John Cena, wrestles his way into the acting arena with a commendable performance, especially in a non-comedy genre film. He convincingly portrays a range of emotions bringing his character to life in a believable way. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, delivers an unforgettable, gripping performance. His nuanced acting and his commitment to the character can be seen in every tense moment, every expression, and every line delivery. Laith Nakli, with only his voice, brings a chilling menace to his sniper character.

The Wall serves as an indicator of the talent involved in its creation, from the captivating performances of the leads to the gripping storyline, tense direction, and atmospheric sound design. It offers a genuinely enthralling, nerve-racking cinematic experience that unflinchingly shows the harsh physical and psychological realities of war. The Wall is a powerful cinematic exploration of survival, determination, and the horrors of war. It is a potent reminder of the human cost of war and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.