Snipers are a special kind of soldier with undeniable skills that can only be harnessed by the best of the best. Whether it’s real life, movies or even video games, John Q. Public gravitates to these elite warriors. Targeting enemies from unfathomable distances while striking them down with robotic type precision is awe inspiring. But what about those poor individuals on the other end of that scope? Their lives are silently extinguished most likely without their own ears hearing the kill shot, let alone being able to process what has happened. This thought is terrifying and for some unfortunate US soldiers, this is exactly what they have to deal with in the movie The Wall.
Matthews (John Cena) and Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) are two American soldiers at the end of their deployment while spending their final days on a wrap-up patrol in a still hostile area of the Middle East. The pair happen upon death scene where several deceased soldiers lay strewn about. Rather than rushing in, the pair opt for long range surveillance in the hopes of avoiding a similar fate that other people endured. Eventually something has to give and a decision is made to go in for a closer look. Big mistake. Now rather than being in a safe concealed position with many different options at hand, the chance of survival lies behind an old dilapidated wall. Finding cover is only the beginning of this nightmare.
Director Doug Liman uses less than a handful of actors to tell this gripping story and would seem that he’s on top of his efficiency game. The old adage of less is more really does hold true here. Between the minimalist cast of characters, the single location and a runtime of only 81 minutes, it would seem that Liman does his best impersonation of a directorial sniper. He makes every shot count. Not much of what we see (or hear) goes to waste. It all leads to an armrest gripping conclusion that will audiences gasping for air.
The most surprising part of The Wall might be just how well acted this movie is. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is coming off of, arguably, his best performance as an actor in Nocturnal Animals (2016) but he may be even better in this one. John Cena even turns in a praise-worthy performance. High marks all the way around.
The action is measured but intense throughout. Even when shots aren’t being fired, audiences will share the same angst that the actors are portraying as they wonder what’s coming next. If you can be as patient as a sniper while watching The Wall, there’s a good chance you’ll come away thoroughly entertained. Check it out in theaters now and don’t forget to breathe!
