Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
The Outpost is a 2020 military biopic motion picture directed by Rob Lurie and starring Orlando Bloom, Scott Eastwood, and Caleb Landry Jones. It follows the true story of 53 soldiers who fought off 400 Taliban fighters who laid siege to a remote and almost indefensible outpost during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Under The Lens: Non-cinematic Immersion and Everyday Life
Non-cinematic immersion: The Outpost is a very gritty and realistic war picture and is very immersive, it sucks the viewer into its world and makes them feel like they are really there. The action and story are ugly and non-cinematic and is meant to be that way. For example, we see almost everything from the point of view of the Outpost defenders, there is no POV from the enemy, there is no “Main” villain or bad guy just a bunch of enemy soldiers in the mountains. When the air support comes in, one would expect the camera to pull back and let us see the action from a distance, but the camera tightly focuses on a one-shot take of two men taking a wounded comrade to the medics as we see the bomber raining ordnance all around them (The only shot of the bomber is a reflection of it flying overhead in a pool of blood)
Many war pictures focus on the gore and blood of the battle, however, The Outpost while showing the wounds and blood does not dwell on this, it is shown in much the same way a participant in the battle would see it, quick and violent then moving on. The picture asks the viewer to be a participant in the battle, seeing everything over the shoulder of the men who fought it, and its a stronger narrative for this.
Everyday Life: Many war pictures are tempted to get right into the action, however, The Outpost is almost slow in the first half. It leisurely introduces us to all the cast, shows us the mission, tribal politics, and how the men get along with each other. There is a good amount of humor in the first hour, as we meet everyone, which makes the carnage and death in the second half all the more brutal. By the time the Taliban attack the camp, the viewer has a good handle on who is who and has formed some minor attachment to the cast.
Highlights
Scott Eastwood is a stand out and looks and sounds so much like his father it’s eerie.
The picture is 100% non-political, which strengthens its narritive.
The Apache Helicopter rescue is a standout moment, as we feel the hopelessness Scott Eastwood feels as he is about to be overrun only to be rescued from certain death.
Quotable Quote
Sergeant Clint Romesha: Let’s take this bitch back!
Something to think about
Take a moment and reflect on the external and internal cost these men paid, and then be thankful we have them defending us overseas.
Conclusion
The Outpost is a relentless and brutal war biopic, it does not seek to be a cinematic picture like 1917 or Dunkirk, but channels the ferocity of Hacksaw Ridge and Blackhawk Down. It’s at its heart a love letter to the men and women who serve our nation and fight overseas, not always for grand or lofty objectives but sometimes just because they are ordered to. At one point in the picture, a solider is asked what the mission is? and he replies “I don’t really know Sir”. The Outpost is a well-acted and well-shot film that chooses to forgo action spectacle in favor of individuals drama and shows the cost of war up close. It does not ask us if the war is just, it only asks us to recognize the heroism of those fighting it. I would encourage you to watch this picture with no interruptions, as its best seen with a single viewing.
