February 1942, the U.S. have recently entered World War 2 and the Naval Destroyer Greyhound must lead a convey of Allied ships across the Atlantic Ocean. At the centre point of the crossing the convoy will be in “The Pit”. A fifty hour stretch of ocean where no air support can be provided. It is here that Captain Krause (Tom Hanks) will be tested to his limit as German U-Boats stalk him and his convoy.

Greyhound is light on plot and filled to the brim with cat and mouse tension. Aside from a short scene set back at home where we see Krause’s beloved Evelyn (Elizabeth Shue) the entire film is set at sea. Tom Hanks film persona does all the heavy lifting when it comes to characterisation so that the film can focus on naval manoeuvres and pensive looks as sonar and radar readings are barked out between navigation orders. But gosh darn does it work. Running at just 91 minutes long the entire film is entirely fashioned around the question of, “can the Greyhound make it and at what cost?”

In order to achieve this excellent level of tension a lot of good work has gone into the visuals and sound design. The entire film has a colour palette of metallic grey and blue to match the ship and ocean and is quite dark and imposing. Whilst the score has an almost whale like call punctuated throughout with excellent sound design around the machinery of the ship. Guns and depth charges give a visceral punch whilst the creaking metal and crashing waves are constant. It is yet another film this year that would have reached an entirely new level at the cinema with a large screen and awesome sound. As it is we will have to settle with this being available on Apple TV+.

Interestingly the film was written by Tom Hanks himself based on a novel by C.S. Forester called “The Good Shepherd”. This is only the third screenplay in his illustrious career. Whilst relative newcomer Aaron Schneider took the reigns as director.

If you enjoy good old fashioned war movies then this is a must watch.