Outside the Wire (2021) is a sci-fi action thriller directed by Mikael Håfström, starring Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris. Set in 2036, it imagines a future where warfare is dominated by robotic soldiers and advanced AI technology. The story follows Lt. Thomas Harp (Damson Idris), a drone pilot who is punished for a questionable decision during combat. Harp is sent to a militarized zone in Eastern Europe, where he is assigned to work with Captain Leo (Anthony Mackie), a highly advanced, secret android soldier with a human appearance.

Harp soon learns that Leo’s mission is not just to keep the peace; he has a hidden agenda that could alter the course of global conflicts. The film mixes fast-paced action sequences with futuristic weaponry, focusing on themes of morality, the ethics of artificial intelligence in warfare, and the blurred lines between human and machine.

Anthony Mackie delivers a solid performance as Leo, balancing his character’s charisma with a sense of underlying danger. Damson Idris brings depth to Harp’s character as he evolves from a cold, detached drone operator to someone who grapples with the human cost of war. The movie is filled with intense combat scenes, impressive visual effects, and a cyber-enhanced portrayal of warfare, making it visually compelling.

However, the plot sometimes falls into familiar tropes, and the pacing can feel rushed, especially as it delves into philosophical questions about AI and war without fully exploring them. Despite this, Outside the Wire provides enough thrills and futuristic intrigue to entertain fans of sci-fi action with a military twist. It’s a thought-provoking action film that raises interesting questions, even if it doesn’t explore them as deeply as it could.