Hunter Killer is a 2018 action-thriller film directed by Donovan Marsh, based on the 2012 novel Firing Point by Don Keith and George Wallace. The movie combines elements of submarine warfare, political intrigue, and military action.

Plot Summary

The story follows Captain Joe Glass (played by Gerard Butler), the commander of the U.S. submarine USS Arkansas. When a U.S. submarine mysteriously vanishes in the Arctic, Glass is sent to investigate. He discovers a Russian coup is underway, with the defense minister attempting to overthrow the Russian president. This coup threatens to ignite World War III.

Captain Glass and his crew must navigate treacherous waters and work covertly with a Navy SEAL team to rescue the kidnapped Russian president. Along the way, they must evade enemy submarines, avoid detection, and prevent global catastrophe.

Key Themes

• Submarine Warfare: The film highlights the intense, claustrophobic, and high-stakes nature of underwater combat.
• Diplomacy and Trust: A central theme is the uneasy alliance between the American and Russian forces to prevent war.
• Heroism: The characters demonstrate courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds.

Cast

• Gerard Butler as Captain Joe Glass
• Gary Oldman as Admiral Charles Donnegan
• Common as Rear Admiral John Fisk
• Michael Nyqvist as Captain Andropov (a Russian submarine captain)
• Toby Stephens as Bill Beaman (leader of the Navy SEAL team)

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its action sequences and tension but criticism for its formulaic plot and lack of depth. However, it was appreciated by fans of military thrillers for its suspense and underwater action.

Trivia

• The movie features realistic submarine interiors and tactics, drawing on technical advice from former Navy personnel.
• It was one of the last films to feature Michael Nyqvist, who passed away in 2017 before the film's release.

If you enjoy action-packed military dramas with a geopolitical edge, Hunter Killer might be a great watch!