Overview
- The film is now streaming on Netflix following its October 24, 2025 release.
- The story follows a detected intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific with a possible trajectory toward Chicago as U.S. leaders face a decision window of under thirty minutes.
- Bigelow structures the narrative by replaying the same eighteen minutes from successive rungs of the chain of command, culminating with the president.
- Key roles include Rebecca Ferguson as commander Olivia Walker, Tracy Letts as General Anthony Brody, and Idris Elba as the president, with action anchored in the White House crisis room, U.S. nuclear forces headquarters, and the presidential motorcade after initial detection at Fort Greely, Alaska.
- Critics call it a tense catastrophe thriller and a plea against nuclear weapons, reflecting Bigelow’s journalistic realism and stated goal of prompting public discussion, with some outlets noting awards buzz rather than formal nominations.