Riveting "House of Dynamite" Explores Nuclear Threat

In Kathryn Bigelow's latest film "A House of Dynamite," audiences are taken on a gripping, real-time journey through the government's response to a nuclear attack. The film, which premiered last month, tracks 18 minutes of frantic activity across multiple timelines and sectors, from the White House Situation Room to the military command.

At the center of the story is Rebecca Ferguson's powerful performance as Captain Olivia Walker, a senior officer tasked with coordinating the emergency response. Ferguson, known for her roles in "Mission: Impossible" and "Dune," drew on extensive research and consultations with experts like former White House intelligence official Larry Pfeiffer to authentically capture the high-pressure dynamics of the situation room.

The film's taut, 18-minute runtime leaves little room for anything but the most essential action, forcing viewers to grapple with the gravity of the unfolding crisis. As Ferguson's character races against the clock, the movie poses difficult questions about nuclear preparedness and the decision-making process at the highest levels of government.