Outside the Wire

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 15, 2021

Genre
Action, Science Fiction, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Anthony Mackie as Captain Leo
• Damson Idris as Lieutenant Thomas Harp
• Emily Beecham as Sofiya
• Michael Kelly as Colonel Eckhart
• Pilou Asbæk as Victor Koval

Director
Mikael Håfström

Other Movies Director is Known For

• 1408 (2007)
• Escape Plan (2013)
• The Rite (2011)

Producer
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Anthony Mackie, Ben Pugh, Erica Steinberg, Jason Spire

Writer
Rob Yescombe, Rowan Athale

Budget
$25 million (estimated)

Production Company
Automatik, 42, Inspire Entertainment

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language
• Intense action sequences

Movie Story
Outside the Wire is a high-octane action-thriller set in a near-future war zone, where advanced robotics and drone technology play a pivotal role in military operations. The film follows Lieutenant Thomas Harp, a drone pilot who, after disobeying direct orders during a combat mission, is sent to the front lines as punishment. There, he is assigned to work under Captain Leo, a highly advanced and secretive android officer, played by Anthony Mackie.

Leo’s mission is to locate and neutralize a deadly nuclear threat before it falls into the hands of a ruthless warlord, Victor Koval. As Harp and Leo navigate through the hostile environment, Harp quickly learns that Leo is far more complex than a typical machine—he possesses human-like qualities and emotions, which adds layers of tension and intrigue to their partnership. As the plot unfolds, Harp begins to question the true nature of Leo’s mission and his own role in the broader conflict.

The film is packed with intense action sequences, including firefights, close-quarters combat, and chase scenes, all set against a backdrop of a bleak, war-torn Eastern European landscape. The narrative also explores deeper themes such as the ethics of autonomous warfare, the morality of drone strikes, and the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.

As Leo’s true motivations are revealed, Harp faces a moral dilemma that forces him to reconsider his allegiance and the implications of his actions. The film’s climax builds to a dramatic showdown that challenges both the characters and the audience to think critically about the consequences of war and technology.

Special Effects
The special effects in Outside the Wire are a standout feature, particularly in the depiction of advanced robotics and futuristic combat technology. The visual effects team created realistic and immersive battle scenes, with the android character Leo rendered with a convincing blend of CGI and practical effects that enhance his superhuman abilities without compromising the film’s gritty, realistic tone.

Box Office Performance
Outside the Wire was released directly on Netflix, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. While exact viewership numbers were not disclosed, the film quickly became one of the platform’s top-streamed titles in the weeks following its release, gaining attention for its action-packed narrative and star performance by Anthony Mackie.

Filming Locations

• Budapest, Hungary
• New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes you’ve got to get dirty to see any real change.” – Captain Leo
• “We remove the human element from war. The risk is to ourselves, but the cost is to the world.” – Lieutenant Thomas Harp

Behind-the-Scenes
Anthony Mackie not only starred in the film but also served as one of its producers, helping to shape the movie’s vision and its exploration of futuristic military technology. The film was shot primarily in Budapest, Hungary, where the production team utilized a mix of practical locations and CGI to create the war-torn landscapes.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Science Fiction Film at the 2021 Saturn Awards

Final Verdict
Outside the Wire offers a fast-paced and visually engaging experience for fans of action and science fiction. While it may not break new ground in terms of narrative depth, the film excels in delivering thrilling combat scenes and thought-provoking themes about the future of warfare and artificial intelligence. Anthony Mackie’s performance adds a compelling layer to this futuristic military story, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10