Review of Eye in the Sky (2015) by Brian E — 22 Jul 2016

With its drawn out debates on the speculated possibilities and moral dilemma, it is more like a '12 Angry Men' of the current times having similar stakes but added urgency. A thrilling combination of drama, suspense and action genres coupled with slick graphics and the right talent pooled in from old and new generations alike.

Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) is overseeing an operation to follow and capture a possible terrorist in Kenya with the help of an unmanned drone being flown by a rookie Pilot Steve Watts (Aaron Paul). Once they identify the terrorists and learn their motives of an immediate suicide bombing, the capture mission converts to kill. When a little girl enters the kill zone, the mission objective gets blown into an international debate on moral and social implications.

The hero of the movie is its terrific screenplay that is interesting, quick paced and best of all - even. The writing brings about all possible debates like doing anything for the greater good, value of human life, accountability of decision makers and implementors etc., and also beautifully portrayed by a talented ensemble cast led by veteran actors Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman (his last movie) and well supported by budding actors like Aaron Paul and Barkhad Abdi.

It starts off in a slightly disconnected manner and one might hastily assume that they are about to see something similar to Ethan Hawke starrer 'Good Kill', but it quickly raises the stakes both in action and drama before plunging into an excellent debate driven by reason, objective and moral consciousness. The urgency to make a decision from the hesitant decision makers adds to the suspense. Background score is apt, cinematography is eye pleasing and editing is top notch.

Timely moral debate with breakneck pacing, slick editing and terrific acting makes it a must watch.

PS: While it is good to see such military officers and bureaucrats thinking ethically and morally focused on a common objective, it is highly unrealistic considering the real life statistics of collateral damage making it a dubious propaganda piece.