Greyhound (2020) is a gripping World War II naval thriller starring Tom Hanks as Commander Ernest Krause, a U.S. Navy officer tasked with leading a convoy of Allied ships across the treacherous North Atlantic while under attack from a deadly fleet of German U-boats. Directed by Aaron Schneider and based on C.S. Forester’s novel The Good Shepherd, Greyhound is an intense portrayal of naval warfare, focusing on the relentless tension and life-or-death decisions that come with commanding a ship during wartime.

The story is set in 1942, at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, when Allied forces were struggling to secure vital supply lines across the ocean. Krause, a first-time commander, must navigate his ship, the USS Keeling (code-named Greyhound), through the “Black Pit”—a stretch of ocean where air cover is impossible, leaving the convoy vulnerable to German submarine attacks. Krause’s job is not only to lead his destroyer but also to protect dozens of merchant ships from the wolfpack of German U-boats that lurk beneath the waves.

Hanks delivers a restrained, powerful performance as Krause, portraying a man who shoulders immense responsibility while grappling with his own self-doubt and determination. The film places viewers in the heart of the action, focusing almost entirely on the tension aboard the Greyhound as Krause and his crew work around the clock to avoid the relentless U-boats. The pacing is unrelenting, with battle sequences that are fast, intense, and realistic, capturing the harrowing nature of naval combat.

What makes Greyhound particularly compelling is its attention to realism and tactical details. The film eschews backstory and character development in favor of immersing viewers in the day-to-day reality of naval warfare. With its quick, efficient dialogue, technical jargon, and focus on the cat-and-mouse tactics used to evade and destroy enemy submarines, Greyhound captures the psychological and physical toll of command under constant threat.

Cinematographically, Greyhound excels with its claustrophobic shots inside the cramped quarters of the ship, contrasting with sweeping shots of the North Atlantic’s harsh, gray seascape. The intense sound design amplifies each torpedo strike and depth charge explosion, bringing a visceral sense of danger to every moment.

While Greyhound is a streamlined, focused experience, it’s an immersive one that allows viewers to feel as though they’re right there with the crew, fighting for survival with every decision. It’s a tense, fast-paced war film that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of those who defended the supply lines during WWII. For fans of historical and military films, Greyhound delivers a thrilling, respectful portrayal of courage under fire.