‘The Brink of War’ Review: Angel Studios’ Shallow Cold War History Lesson

"The Brink of War," written and directed by Michael Russell Gunn, is a dramatization of the Reykjavik Summit in 1986 where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev first began to initiate the end of the Cold War. While the two actors, Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris, excel in their roles, the film suffers from Gunn's lack of skill as a first-time feature director, limiting the drama between the two leaders.

The film opens with Reagan expressing his failure to Secretary of State George Shultz after being unable to reach an accord with Gorbachev over the de-escalation of the Cold War. The plot revolves around Reagan's plan to provoke Soviet leadership by preempting the main topic of conversation, instead demanding that Gorbachev allow the sister of a famed classical musician to visit the U.S. for his birthday.

Reagan's power play is quickly undercut when Gorbachev proposes a shocking reduction in arms, leading to tension and stalling in talks. The film touches on the humanistic aspects of the summit, such as Gorbachev's wife Raisa staging photo opportunities for international reporters and the First Lady trying to quell criticism for not joining her husband abroad.

While the film is well-cast, Gunn's script treats the motivations behind Reagan and Gorbachev like mysteries to be solved, leaving it to the actors to elevate the on-screen tete-a-tete. The film's portrayal of Reagan and his ego-driven monologues about American values are presented in hushed, sober tones, which dilutes the film's potential for a compelling discussion on Western values then and now.

The film also fails to provide a more nuanced evaluation of Reagan, instead aiming for a sitcom vulnerability by emphasizing his PTSD from his 1981 assassination attempt. Overall, "The Brink of War" serves as an historical document for audiences who are largely unaware of the Cold War's events and effects.