Across nearly two decades Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) battled to bring their version of electricity to America. The current war of the title being that of Direct Current supply championed by Edison and Alternating Current supply championed by Westinghouse. The film also features Nikola Tesla’s (Nicholas Hoult) involvement in these transformative times as well as having prominent roles for the wives of Edison and Westinghouse (Tuppence Middleton and Katherine Waterston) as well as their right hand men (Tom Holland and Stanley Townsend).

The Current War is an intriguing film with one flaw. It tells an incredibly interesting story with a lack of focus. As you may be able to tell from my synopsis there is an awful lot of information to tell in its 107 minute running time and at times it feels slightly unfocused, especially in its portrayal of Tesla who feels like he may have a number of scenes still on the cutting room floor. Despite this I found it quite riveting. In the main because of exceptional performances from its cast, but also thanks to its narrative of arrogant genius versus considerate entrepreneur.

Cumberbatch is obviously capable of playing prickly stand offish genius, just refer to Sherlock and The Imitation Game. But it’s Shannon and Waterston who come across the most compelling as a supportive husband and wife team interested in leaving the world a better place.

The film itself has had a troubled time making its way to our screens. Completed in 2017 it was one of the final films produced by Harvey Weinstein before his scandal and was marooned in the editing process. Perhaps an explanation to its major flaw. But I’m glad it did finally make its way to the big screen as it’s an entertaining watch.