Review of Bigelow’s ‘A House of Dynamite’: A Spark That Falls Flat

Bigelow’s film quickly shatters this calm, introducing a compelling mix of urgency and chaos. The narrative is a vivid depiction of how quickly normalcy can spiral into catastrophe, reminiscent of classics like “Dr. Strangelove.”

Shortly into the film, viewers are confronted with a stark reminder: “That era is now over,” highlighting the tension of dwindling global cooperation on nuclear arms. “A House of Dynamite” joins the ranks of films capturing modern nuclear anxiety, akin to recent offerings like “Oppenheimer.”

Bigelow, working from a screenplay by Noah Oppenheim, presents a fresh perspective on this impending catastrophe. The film combined with her adept storytelling crafts a tightly woven thriller that, while explosive at first, loses momentum as the story progresses.

The movie opens in serious mode, following Captain Olivia Walker as she enters the White House command center. The calm morning suddenly morphs into chaos when an untracked missile is reported as launched, initially presumed to land harmlessly in the Sea of Japan. The tension escalates dramatically as the missile’s trajectory becomes clear: it’s headed toward Chicago.

With mere minutes on the clock, military protocols kick into high gear. The film captures the intensity as the DEFCON level drops swiftly and communication becomes critical. Ferguson’s portrayal of the operation leader is both commanding and relatable, as she juggles urgency with personal anxiety.

As the plot develops, “A House of Dynamite” cleverly rewinds time, offering fresh perspectives on the same crucial moments. The second chapter shifts to focus on National Security Advisor Jake Baerington, exploring geopolitical implications and uncertainties entwined with the missile launch.

The third segment pivots to the president’s perspective, yet by now, the narrative feels repetitive. This mechanism of revisiting events portrays how quickly a routine day can be overshadowed by overwhelming events. As the story plays out, it becomes clear that while the structure is creative, it also weakens the initial tension.

What ultimately carries this film is Bigelow’s unique ability to transform relevant crises into compelling narratives. Supported by a strong ensemble cast, her storytelling holds a mirror to the precarious nature of global safety.

“A House of Dynamite” is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language and runs for 112 minutes. The film successfully captures the unsettling notion of how swiftly life as we know it can change.

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