Despite being grounded in a very possible scenario, “Hunter Killer” doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering some “what-ifs” that are both entertaining and feasible, with a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure. With plenty of pulse-pounding action, drama, and unexpected twists, “Hunter Killer” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and satisfying their longing for thrilling experiences.
Although this (pun warnings) submarine movie doesn’t tread any water, it does make a new ripple in the clichéd genre. Instead of the narrative solely unfolding under the waves, we get a parallel behind-enemy-lines tale that plays out on land.
The story begins in the depths of the Barents Sea, where a Russian Akula-class submarine, Konek, is patrolling. However, it’s not alone. Shadowing the Konek for reasons unknown is the USS Tampa Bay, an American fast-attack submarine. This leads to some mysterious events and both subs going missing.
In response, Rear Adm. John Fisk (Common) of the U.S. Department of Defense tasks seasoned submariner Capt. Joe Glass (Gerard Butler) with unraveling the murky mystery.
Glass and his crew embark on their mission aboard the USS Arkansas, a cutting-edge fast-attack sub, with the simple objective of investigating the disappearance of the Tampa Bay and potentially conducting rescue operations.
Back beneath the waves, Glass begins to uncover what happened to the USS Tampa Bay. After spotting some irregularities with what he and his crew come across, they are suddenly faced with imminent danger. Glass calls upon his unorthodox strategic mind to survive, but he may be facing his own internal opposition in the form of his executive officer, XO Brian Edwards (Carter MacIntyre), who deems Glass’s methods reckless and irresponsible.
Even though this film is rather lengthy at just over two hours, a buoyant pace is kept since things switch between its several different storylines. The main focus remains on Glass and his submarine crew, as well as on Beaman and his SEAL squad, while secondary storylines delve into the workings of both the U.S. and Russian defense departments and intelligence communities. Surprisingly, given the geopolitical intrigue and action, the film doesn’t feel longer than it is.
Additionally, the filmmakers’ relatively nuanced depiction of Russians is commendable. Rather than resorting to brutish caricatures, the film portrays Russian characters with more variation, depicting different factions vying for control, including one that is anti-war. This approach adds depth to the narrative and avoids stereotypes.
This is an entertaining throwback flick that proudly embraces its nostalgic elements. Its intricate storyline harkens back to the complexity found in Tom Clancy novels, so it’s no wonder that the film was adapted from the 2012 novel “Firing Point” by authors Don Keith and George Wallace. With its blend of geopolitical intrigue and action, “Hunter Killer” is sure to satisfy genre fans.
