Overview
Fog of War is a 2025 American World War II thriller directed by Michael Day and written by Luke Langsdale. Starring Brianna Hildebrand, Jake Abel, Géza Röhrig, Mira Sorvino, and John Cusack, the film follows an injured American pilot and his OSS-agent fiancée stranded on a remote estate who uncover a Nazi spy in their midst. It was released nationwide on April 4, 2025, in theaters (MPA: NR), with a 1 hr 42 min runtime Movie InsiderRotten Tomatoes.
Synopsis
During the build-up to D-Day, American pilot Gene (Jake Abel) is rescued behind enemy lines by his fiancée Penny (Brianna Hildebrand), an OSS agent, and brought to her family’s secluded estate. As the Allies finalize invasion plans, the couple discovers that one of the estate’s occupants is a Nazi spy carrying stolen documents bound for Germany. With trust shattered and danger everywhere, Gene and Penny race to unmask the traitor before the war’s outcome is jeopardized Movie Insider.
Cast & Performances
- Brianna Hildebrand (Penny): Balances vulnerability and resolve as the OSS agent torn between duty and love.
- Jake Abel (Gene): Conveys physical hardship and steely determination in his portrayal of the wounded pilot.
- Géza Röhrig (Viktor): Infuses the mysterious estate guest with quiet menace.
- Mira Sorvino (Family Matriarch): Provides gravitas in a supporting but pivotal role.
- John Cusack (Robert): Delivers a commanding presence as a key authority figure whose loyalties remain in question Movie Insider.
Direction & Production
Michael Day’s tight direction emphasizes atmospheric suspense over large-scale battle sequences. Produced by Jordan Yale Levine, Jordan Beckerman, Michael Day, and Scott Levenson under Yale Productions, and distributed by DECAL, the film was shot on location in early 2025. The concise 102-minute cut maintains brisk pacing, while Luke Langsdale’s screenplay weaves historical detail into the espionage narrative Rotten Tomatoes.
Themes & Reception
Fog of War explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of wartime alliances. Early critical response has been mixed: Carla Hay of Culture Mix calls it “a misguided WWII drama polluted by a terrible screenplay and cringeworthy acting” (May 1, 2025), while John Kirk of Original Cin criticizes its overt plot-signaling that “compels you to fast-forward to the end” (Apr 8, 2025) Rotten Tomatoes. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds only two critic reviews and fewer than 50 audience ratings, and user polls on MovieInsider rate it 2.33/5 stars Movie Insider.
Conclusion & Rating
While Fog of War offers a taut espionage premise and standout performances from its leads, its uneven screenplay and sporadic pacing may frustrate viewers seeking depth. It earns 2.5 out of 5 stars, recommended primarily for aficionados of WWII-era mysteries and spy thrillers.
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