Greyhound

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 10, 2020

Genre
War, Action, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Tom Hanks as Commander Ernest Krause
• Stephen Graham as Charlie Cole
• Rob Morgan as George Cleveland
• Elisabeth Shue as Evelyn Krause
• Karl Glusman as Eppstein

Director
Aaron Schneider

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Get Low (2009)

Producer
Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman

Writer
Tom Hanks (screenplay), based on the novel The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester

Budget
Estimated at $50 million

Production Company
Sony Pictures, Playtone, Bron Studios

Running Time
91 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense war sequences
• Mild language

Movie Story
“Greyhound” is an intense World War II naval drama that follows Commander Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks), a seasoned but untested American naval officer, as he leads a convoy of Allied ships across the treacherous North Atlantic. The story is set during the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest and most complex naval campaigns of the war, where German U-boats posed a constant threat to Allied shipping.

The film begins with Krause taking command of the USS Keeling (codenamed Greyhound), his first wartime assignment as a commanding officer. As the convoy enters a dangerous stretch of the Atlantic known as the “Black Pit,” where air cover is unavailable, Krause must navigate both the physical and psychological challenges of war.

Throughout the journey, Krause faces relentless attacks from a wolf pack of German U-boats, forcing him to make quick, life-or-death decisions to protect his crew and the convoy. The film focuses on the tension and urgency of naval warfare, depicting the intense cat-and-mouse game between Krause and the enemy submarines.

Krause’s leadership is put to the test as he balances the responsibility of command with his own personal doubts and insecurities. The film captures the isolation and pressure of life at sea, where the stakes are high and every decision can mean the difference between life and death.

As the battle intensifies, Krause’s resolve is strengthened by his sense of duty and faith, driving him to push his ship and crew to their limits. The film culminates in a final, high-stakes confrontation between Greyhound and the U-boats, showcasing Krause’s tactical prowess and the bravery of his crew.

“Greyhound” is a study of leadership under extreme conditions, with Tom Hanks delivering a nuanced performance as a man grappling with the weight of command. The film’s narrative is tightly focused, offering a gripping and realistic portrayal of naval combat during World War II.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Greyhound” are critical to its immersive experience, particularly in the depiction of naval battles. The film uses a combination of CGI and practical effects to create realistic and tense action sequences, including torpedo attacks, depth charges, and ship maneuvers. The visual effects convincingly recreate the chaotic and dangerous environment of the North Atlantic, with attention to detail in the ships, submarines, and oceanic conditions. The sound design, with its emphasis on the noises of battle—such as sonar pings, explosions, and creaking hulls—further enhances the intensity of the film.

Box Office Performance
Originally slated for a theatrical release, “Greyhound” was instead acquired by Apple TV+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It became one of the platform’s most successful releases, drawing significant viewership and critical praise for its action sequences and Tom Hanks’ performance. The film’s success on streaming platforms highlighted the shift in distribution strategies during the pandemic.

Filming Locations

• Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
• USS Kidd (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), a World War II-era destroyer that served as a key filming location

Notable Quotes

• “The outcome of this convoy will depend on us. This will be the finest hour of our lives.” – Commander Ernest Krause
• “They’re coming. There’s nowhere to hide.” – Charlie Cole

Behind-the-Scenes
“Greyhound” was a passion project for Tom Hanks, who not only starred in the film but also wrote the screenplay, adapting it from C.S. Forester’s novel The Good Shepherd. The film’s production emphasized historical accuracy, with efforts to depict the tactics and technology of World War II naval warfare authentically. The USS Kidd, a real WWII destroyer, was used extensively during filming to add realism to the scenes on board the ship. The film’s director, Aaron Schneider, focused on creating a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere, reflecting the relentless pressure faced by naval officers during the war.

Awards

• Nominated for an Academy Award (Best Sound)
• Nominated for a BAFTA Award (Best Special Visual Effects)

Final Verdict
“Greyhound” is a taut and gripping war film that offers an intense, realistic portrayal of naval combat during World War II. Tom Hanks delivers a strong performance as a commander navigating the physical and psychological challenges of war, bringing depth and humanity to the role. The film’s focus on tactical warfare and its meticulous attention to detail make it a standout entry in the war genre, particularly for fans of naval history and action-packed drama.

IMDb Rating
7.0/10