Kathryn Bigelow has been a fave director of mine since Near Dark. And with A House of Dynamite, she continues to prove that not only is she a fantastic director, she should be a bigger deal than she is.

Taking a political/techno-thriller concept and putting a human face on it, as this film does, makes it an emotional white-knuckle ride, that just punches you in the gut with performances and character choices.

The narrative folds back in on itself, allowing us to experience the same series of events from different perspectives which in turn are truly terrifying, and heartbreaking.

A single unattributed nuclear missile has been launched and will detonate within the continental United States, specifically Chicago. The film, tensely, and evenly passed takes us through the response the government.

It’s fascinating to watch this film, because we know that there are structured guidelines and procedures for dealing with these events, something that is shown every step of the way, but Bigelow’s film puts a very human face on each and every moment.

And that’s what draws the viewer in. This isn’t a movie to watch on the couch while you scroll through your feed. It’s about watching the performances as the characters act, and react to the choices that are made. It’s a high-tension watch.

There’s a fantastic headline cast led by Rebecca Ferguson (one of my favorite actors), Idris Elba, Anthony Ramos, and Jared Harris. They all have very expressive faces and bring the reality of the situation home with the character moments they embrace. There are little touches and expressions that are incredibly powerful when juxtaposed with the cold structure of a prepared response.

Ramos plays a Major based in Alaska at the 49th Missile Defense Battalion. His command is responsible for intercepting the missile. Ferguson is Captain Olivia Walker the senior officer on the White House Situation Room. And Elba? He’s the President.

It’s incredibly powerful, and it puts a very human face, and experience on events that are often spoken about with an emotional remove.

I found A House of Dynamite to be a smart and emotional thrill ride, and cements my thoughts on both Bigelow and Ferguson. They are both exemplary at their craft and I will continue to anticipate their work. And Elba? Heck, I love this man’s work, keep it coming!

A House of Dynamite needs to be watched, not thrown on in the background, and you need to give yourself over to the story and the characters who are living through these events. I really, really dug this one.