Watch Eye in the Sky

Eye in the Sky is a thought-provoking drama about the complex ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding modern warfare. The film centers around an operation to capture high-level terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. The mission is led by British Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) from a command center in London, with the help of American drone pilot Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) and on-the-ground operative Jama Farah (Barkhad Abdi).

As they monitor the situation through surveillance technology, the team discovers that their target is not alone but is attending a meeting with several other terrorists, including two British citizens. When they witness the group preparing to launch a suicide bombing, Powell decides that a drone strike is necessary to prevent the attack and capture the terrorists.

However, the operation becomes increasingly complicated when a young girl enters the kill zone, forcing the team to reevaluate the risks and the morality of their actions. As they struggle to make a decision, the clock ticks down and tensions rise as everyone involved considers the potential consequences of their choices.

What makes this film so compelling is the way it raises important questions about the use of drones and the impact of modern technology on warfare. The audience is forced to confront the fact that we are living in an age where we can launch deadly strikes from thousands of miles away, potentially killing innocents in the process.

The film also explores the challenges of decision-making in high-stakes situations. As the military and political officials weigh the pros and cons of launching a drone strike, they are also grappling with the moral implications of their actions. The film asks us to consider what we would do in their shoes and what it means to make ethical decisions in the midst of war.

The performances in this film are outstanding, particularly Mirren's intense portrayal of Colonel Powell. Mirren brings a gravitas to the role that underscores the seriousness of the situation and highlights the weight of the decisions she must make. Paul is equally excellent as the drone pilot struggling to reconcile his role as a soldier with his conscience.

It's worth noting that this was Alan Rickman's final on-screen role before his untimely death. Rickman plays Lieutenant General Frank Benson, who is overseeing the mission from London. He brings a quiet strength to the role, portraying a man who is clearly feeling the strain of his position but remains focused on the task at hand.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. The script is well-researched and provides an accurate depiction of modern military operations. The use of technology and the communication between different branches of the military feels authentic and adds to the tension of the film.

Overall, Eye in the Sky is a gripping and thought-provoking film that tackles important questions about modern warfare and the use of drones. It's a reminder that even in the age of advanced technology, the human element is still present in every decision we make. The film asks difficult questions and challenges its audience to think deeply about the consequences of our actions, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and warfare.

Eye in the Sky is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.