Released in 2020, Greyhound is a World War II naval drama directed by Aaron Schneider, with Tom Hanks both starring in the lead role and penning the screenplay. Based on C.S. Forester’s 1955 novel The Good Shepherd, the film chronicles a pivotal moment in the Battle of the Atlantic. It tells the story of a U.S. Navy commander tasked with escorting a convoy of ships across treacherous waters patrolled by German U-boats. With its intense pacing, compelling performances, and technical precision, Greyhound delivers a gripping cinematic experience that honors the heroism of those who served in the Atlantic Theater.
Plot Overview
Set in 1942, during the early days of the United States’ involvement in World War II, the film follows Commander Ernest Krause, played by Tom Hanks, who has been given his first wartime command. Krause leads a destroyer, the USS Keeling, codenamed “Greyhound,” as part of a convoy of 37 Allied ships crossing the Atlantic Ocean to deliver crucial supplies to Europe.
The convoy must traverse a dangerous stretch of ocean known as the “Black Pit,” a zone beyond the reach of Allied air cover, leaving the ships vulnerable to attack from German U-boats. Over 48 harrowing hours, Krause and his crew face relentless assaults from a wolfpack of submarines. With limited resources and the weight of command pressing on him, Krause must navigate tactical dilemmas, personal insecurities, and the constant threat of death to protect his convoy and fulfill his duty.
Tom Hanks: A Veteran Commander
Tom Hanks brings a quiet intensity to the role of Commander Krause. His portrayal captures the internal conflict of a man who is both deeply religious and fiercely committed to his mission. Krause is a seasoned officer but new to combat command, and Hanks conveys his sense of responsibility and vulnerability with remarkable nuance.
Through subtle gestures and expressions, Hanks shows a leader grappling with self-doubt while maintaining an unshakable resolve. Krause’s moments of reflection—whether through brief prayers or silent glances—reveal a man deeply aware of the human cost of war. Hanks’s performance anchors the film, transforming what could have been a straightforward war story into a character-driven exploration of leadership under pressure.
Tension on the High Seas
From its opening scenes, Greyhound plunges the audience into the heart of the action. The film wastes no time in establishing its central conflict, forgoing lengthy exposition in favor of a relentless, edge-of-your-seat narrative. The U-boats, nicknamed “the Grey Wolves,” are depicted as cunning predators, their torpedoes slicing through the water with deadly precision.
The film’s pacing mirrors the unrelenting nature of the battle, with barely a moment of respite for Krause and his crew. Every sonar ping, evasive maneuver, and shouted command adds to the tension, immersing the audience in the chaotic and claustrophobic environment of the ship’s bridge. The tight runtime of 91 minutes ensures that the film remains focused, delivering a lean and efficient war story that captures the immediacy of combat.
Technical Realism
One of Greyhound‘s standout features is its commitment to technical authenticity. The film meticulously recreates the procedures, jargon, and strategies used in naval warfare during World War II. From the radar systems and convoy formations to the firing of depth charges, every detail feels grounded in historical accuracy.
The sound design plays a crucial role in heightening the realism. The cacophony of sonar pings, gunfire, and the hum of the ship’s engines creates an immersive soundscape that places the viewer in the heart of the action. The visual effects, particularly the depiction of the vast, unforgiving Atlantic and the menacing U-boats lurking beneath its surface, further enhance the film’s authenticity.
Themes of Leadership and Sacrifice
At its core, Greyhound is a story about leadership and the weight of command. Krause’s journey is one of quiet heroism, defined not by grand speeches or dramatic gestures, but by steadfast dedication to his duty. The film explores the isolation of leadership, as Krause must make split-second decisions that carry life-and-death consequences for his crew and the convoy.
The theme of sacrifice is woven throughout the narrative. Krause, who foregoes sleep and food to stay vigilant, embodies the selflessness required of a leader in wartime. The camaraderie among the crew highlights the collective sacrifices made by those who served, reminding viewers of the human cost behind the machinery of war.
Cinematic Style
Director Aaron Schneider brings a restrained, no-frills approach to Greyhound, allowing the story’s tension and performances to take center stage. The film’s visual style is stark and functional, mirroring the utilitarian nature of the naval operations it depicts. The use of CGI to render the battles at sea is effective, though some critics have noted that the digital effects occasionally lack the tactile feel of practical sets.
The cinematography emphasizes the isolation and vulnerability of the convoy in the vast Atlantic. Wide shots of the open ocean, juxtaposed with close-ups of Krause and his crew, underscore the scale of the challenge they face. The tight framing within the ship’s interior captures the claustrophobia and intensity of life aboard a destroyer.
Historical Context
The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the longest and most critical campaigns of World War II. Stretching from 1939 to 1945, it pitted the Allied naval forces against the German Kriegsmarine in a struggle for control over vital supply routes. The “Black Pit,” where much of Greyhound is set, was infamous for its lack of air cover, making it a deadly battleground for convoys.
While Greyhound focuses on a fictional convoy, its depiction of the tactics and dangers faced by sailors is firmly rooted in historical fact. The use of wolfpack tactics by German U-boats, the role of destroyers in anti-submarine warfare, and the sheer psychological toll of these battles are all accurately portrayed, offering a glimpse into the courage and resilience of those who served.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Greyhound garnered praise for its taut storytelling, Tom Hanks’s performance, and its respectful portrayal of naval warfare. Critics highlighted its focus on action and tension over character backstories, with some viewing this as a strength and others as a limitation.
The film was originally slated for a theatrical release but debuted on Apple TV+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, it found a wide audience and became one of the streaming platform’s most-watched titles, earning several award nominations for its sound design and visual effects.
