OUTPOST (2019) REVIEW

 

Director Rod Lurie's return to the director's chair after nearly a decade is a cinematic gem that feels like discovering a hidden treasure in the attic—surprisingly brilliant and leaving you craving for more. While recent films seamlessly transitioned to on-demand platforms, "The Outpost" begs for the immersive experience of a theater, offering a visceral journey that pulls you into the heart of chaos. It's the kind of film that grips you from the opening scene and refuses to let go, leaving you yearning for popcorn and a bigger screen.

Set against the unforgiving backdrop of Afghanistan's Kamdesh outpost in 2006, survival isn't just a mission—it's a daily battle against insurmountable odds. Lurie and cinematographer Lorenzo Senatore paint a vivid portrait of the outpost's vulnerability, nestled deep in a valley where danger lurks around every corner. The stage is set for tragedy, with community relations crumbling faster than a cookie in a hurricane, and trust dissipating like smoke after a series of devastating attacks.

Lurie, alongside screenwriters Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, adopts an episodic approach in the film's first half, chronicling the outpost's descent into chaos through moments of routine punctuated by bursts of gunfire. Dialogue overlaps like a tangled web of wires, faces blur together like watercolors on a rainy day, but it all adds to the sense of disarray. Amidst the chaos, a few faces emerge from the crowd, including Lieutenant Benjamin D. Keating (Orlando Bloom), Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha (Scott Eastwood), Specialist Ty Michael Carter (Caleb Landry Jones), and Captain Robert Yllescas (Milo Gibson).

The performances in "The Outpost" shine like beacons in the darkness, with each actor delivering a standout portrayal. Eastwood channels the essence of his legendary father with remarkable finesse, while Jones continues to impress with his depth and intensity.

As the film hurtles towards its climactic showdown—a two-day onslaught in October 2009—it's like a rollercoaster ride of adrenaline-fueled action. Lurie masterfully navigates the chaos, balancing bullets and bravado with a precision that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The result is a gripping, pulse-pounding spectacle that never resorts to cheap thrills or manipulative storytelling.

But amidst the gunfire and explosions, "The Outpost" never loses sight of its humanity. It's a poignant tribute to the real heroes caught in the crossfire, fighting against all odds for survival and camaraderie in the valley of war.

In summary, "The Outpost" is a cinematic triumph that leaves a lasting impression, like finding that long-lost treasure hidden away for years. So instead of spending your time searching for snacks, invest it in this gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul.