The Brink of War Review: Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris Lock Horns in Talky Cold War Drama
Read our review of The Brink of War, the Cold War political drama starring Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan and Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Brink of War is a wordy, academic film that chronicles the two crucial days in October 1986 when US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met in Reykjavik, Iceland to attempt a nuclear disarmament deal. Shot at the actual location, the film is thoughtful and earnest, though it lacks urgency compared to other Cold War films like Thirteen Days.
The performances by Jeff Daniels as Reagan and Jared Harris as Gorbachev are solid, with both actors bringing their characters' pride, stubbornness, and mistrust to the screen. The film's most compelling moments occur when the two leaders negotiate, challenging each other's positions and highlighting their differing views on issues such as human rights, religion, and the US's Strategic Defense Initiative.
A subplot involving the First Lady Nancy Reagan and Gorbachev's wife, Raisa, provides a humorous but petty dimension to the narrative. While the film ultimately doesn't delve deeply into Reagan's personal life or flaws, it emphasizes the importance of international leaders engaging in intelligent dialogue and acknowledging their shared humanity, making it a relevant reflection on current events.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
