ReelBob: ‘Greyhound’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

“Greyhound” is a taut, fast-paced World War II feature that is engrossing as a military exercise and as a human drama.

The movie stars Tom Hanks, who wrote the screenplay based on C.S. Forester’s novel, “The Good Shepherd.” As Capt. Ernie Krause, he has been given his first command of an American destroyer, the Greyhound. His vessel is leading a convoy of 37 Allied merchant ships and destroyers across the North Atlantic to England.

Krause, a man of faith, is professional and collected, quickly decisive and a smart tactician. He buries his fear and doubts, so as not to demoralize his crew.

Krause must navigate the convoy through the “Black Pit,” a stretch of the ocean midway between the U.S. and England, during which the ships are without air protection because of their distance from either nation.

This leaves the convoy vulnerable to attacks from German submarine wolfpacks. It is Krause’s responsibility, along with the other destroyers in the convoy, to protect the merchant vessels as best they can.

The film, directed by Aaron Schneider, is a tension-filled exercise, as Krause and the preying U-boats play a cat-and-mouse game, attempting to outthink and outmaneuver each other.

It’s not only the subs that the convoy must deal with, but the rough seas that pound the vessels and, more importantly, make it difficult to spot the Germans.

If movie theaters ever reopen, it would be exciting to experience “Greyhound” on the big screen. For now, however, you will have to be content viewing it on Apple TV+.

The movie is propelled by the sincerity of Hanks’ performance, which may be quiet, but it is commanding. His intensity as he tries to protect the ships under his command is palatable — as is the anguish on his face when a sub manages to sink one of the vessels.

His Krause feels the pain of every man and ship that is lost.

A truly emotional weight envelops “Greyhound.” Even though you don’t get to know many of the Greyhound’s crew, except for Krause, you are emotionally invested in their welfare because you see the concern that Krause has for his men.

At 91 minutes, “Greyhound” is presented in an understated, non-spectacular, matter-of-fact manner. By foregoing histrionics, Schneider magnifies the heroics and glory of these courageous individuals.

The movie also benefits from the cinematography of Shelly Johnson, whose shots make the choppy seas and thunderous waves as much a hazard as the U-boats, and the score by Blake Neely, which abets both the suspense of the situation and Krause’s dedication to his mission.
“Greyhound” is one of the best movies of the year; a patriotic shot in the arm that may help inoculate viewers from the uncertainties, fears and troubles we are now experiencing.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

GREYHOUND
3½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), wartime action, violence and images, language