Name: The Commander
Genre: War, History, Drama
Released: 2023-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Pierfrancesco Favino, Massimiliano Rossi, Johan Heldenbergh, Silvia D'Amico, Arturo Muselli

The opening shot of The Commander is stark: the inky blackness of the Atlantic Ocean, cut only by the faint glow of distant lights on a merchant ship. This visual simplicity sets the tone for Edoardo De Angelis’s 2023 historical drama, a film that dives into the moral complexities of war with a steady hand.

Based on true events, The Commander follows Salvatore Todaro (Pierfrancesco Favino), the captain of the Italian Royal Navy submarine Cappellini. When his ship sinks an armed merchant vessel during World War II, Todaro faces an impossible choice: leave 26 Belgian sailors to drown or risk his own crew and mission to save them. The film’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of this dilemma. Favino delivers a measured, nuanced performance, conveying Todaro’s internal struggle without resorting to melodrama. His quiet intensity is palpable, especially in scenes where he grapples with the weight of his decision, such as the tense moment when he orders his submarine to surface, making it vulnerable to enemy forces.

De Angelis’s direction is precise, using the claustrophobic confines of the submarine to heighten the tension. The cinematography, particularly the stark contrast between the darkness of the ocean and the dimly lit interior of the submarine, creates a visceral atmosphere. The sound design is equally effective, with the constant hum of the submarine’s engines and the distant echoes of enemy ships amplifying the sense of danger.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Massimiliano Rossi as Vittorio Marcon and Johan Heldenbergh as Georges Vogels bring depth to their roles, embodying the fear and resilience of their characters. Silvia D’Amico, as Rina Todaro, adds emotional resonance with her portrayal of a wife anxiously awaiting news from the front.

The film’s exploration of morality in war is its most compelling aspect. De Angelis avoids simplistic heroism or villainy, instead presenting a nuanced portrait of men caught in an impossible situation. The interactions between the Italian crew and the Belgian sailors are particularly poignant, highlighting the shared humanity that transcends national boundaries.

However, the film falters in its pacing. The three-day journey on the surface of the water, while historically accurate, feels drawn out. Some scenes, particularly those involving the interactions between the Italian crew and the Belgian sailors, could have been trimmed to maintain momentum. Additionally, the film’s historical context is lightly touched upon, leaving some viewers craving more background on the political and military landscape of the time.

The Commander is a thoughtful exploration of morality in war, anchored by Favino’s powerful performance and De Angelis’s meticulous direction. The film’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the moral complexities of war, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world. While it may not be as action-packed or visually stunning as some other war films, The Commander offers a compelling narrative and strong performances that make it a standout.

The film is likely to appeal to viewers who enjoy historical dramas with a focus on moral dilemmas and character development. Fans of Pierfrancesco Favino’s previous work will not be disappointed by his nuanced performance as Salvatore Todaro. The Commander also offers a unique perspective on World War II, focusing on the often-overlooked Italian experience.

In comparison to other recent war films, The Commander stands out for its focus on moral complexity rather than action or spectacle. Films like 1917 and Dunkirk rely heavily on their visual effects and intense action sequences, while The Commander takes a more subdued approach. This makes it a refreshing change of pace for viewers who have grown accustomed to the high-octane war films that dominate the genre.

One of the film’s most notable aspects is its ability to create tension without relying on traditional action sequences. The constant threat of discovery by enemy forces creates a palpable sense of dread, amplified by the claustrophobic setting of the submarine. This approach allows the film to focus on character development and moral dilemmas, making it a more thought-provoking experience.

The Commander is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly during the three-day journey on the surface of the water. Some viewers may find these scenes drawn out, although they are historically accurate and serve to heighten the tension. Additionally, the film’s historical context could have been explored in more depth, providing viewers with a better understanding of the political and military landscape of the time.

Despite these minor criticisms, The Commander is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of morality in war. Its strong performances, meticulous direction, and focus on moral complexity make it a standout in the historical drama genre. Viewers who enjoy films that challenge their perspectives and offer nuanced portrayals of complex situations will find much to appreciate in The Commander.

In conclusion, The Commander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of morality in war. Its strong performances, meticulous direction, and focus on moral complexity make it a standout in the historical drama genre.