This summer, one of the underrated highlights at the arthouse was Tobias Lindholm‘s “A Hijacking.” It told the fictional tale of a ship taken over by Somali pirates, and the psychological toll it takes on both the hostages and company negotiating for the ship and the lives of the men on board. One of the most striking aspects of the film was that it kept the violence out of frame—most notably, the actual hijacking itself—humanizing both the perpetrators and the victims all in one go. Granted, with Paul Greengrass at the helm of “Captain Phillips,” one wouldn’t expect he’d have the same approach, but for those worried it would a one-sided tale, this new trailer reveals that’s not the case.
Based on a true, and very recent story, Tom Hanks takes the titular lead, the Captain who gave himself up to Somali pirates to ensure the safety of his crew. And while “Captain Phillips” has no shortage of yelling and guns being pointed and the harrowing drama that ensues, in the latter stages of the spot, we see how this is a fight for survival on both sides. It all looks like pretty bracing stuff, and another movie to notch on the must-see schedule for the rest of the year.
Slated to premiere at the New York Film Festival in September, “Captain Phillips” will open in theaters on October 11th. [Vlicioius!]