Captain Phillips
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed
Directed By: Paul Greengrass
Reviewed by Danielle Muir

[rating: 4.5/5]

Holy Hanks! Mr Tom is back in fine form in this salt-water drenched real-life drama about why sailing a boat around Africa is a really bad idea.  Prepare to have virtually all muscles screwed up in various stages of unrest, as this is certainly one tense thrill ride.  And there’s something even more thrilling about the fact that it’s pretty much legit.

Captain Phillips is about the man at the helm as you may have guessed – Richard Phillips is en route around the African coastline, as he and his crew navigate a barge containing food, water and other relief items.  Simultaneously, a group of Somali soldiers plot to hijack the barge, headed up by emaciated Muse (Barkhad) – whose reluctance is soon overshadowed by his urge to prove himself. After a failed first attempt, the soldiers make contact – and soon a terrifying cat and mouse game ensues.

This film just has its tone down pat.  Apart from a brief (and horrifically written) scene with Hanks and his wife at the beginning, Captain Phillips takes place entirely on the ocean.  As if that wasn’t claustrophobic enough, about a solid quarter takes place with 5 men in a tiny submarine – 5 sweaty, panicking men.  (If you’ve seen the trailer I’ve spoilt nothing).  After about the halfway mark it seems there’s no letting up, so strap yourself in.

Hanks deserves every ounce of praise he gets – if only for one of his final scenes which is absolutely heartbreaking, as he shows a vulnerability that will leave you speechless.  Previous to this he’s absolutely captivating as the stoic and level-headed Phillips, who I think we all wish we’d be like if we found ourselves stuck in that submarine.  Unlikely though.  On par with Hanks is the Somalian soldier crew – Barkhad is equally captivating as Muse, whose eyes pierce the screen with such force.  Faysal Ahmed plays Najee who is one of those characters you actively wish dead – therefore you know the performance has been superb. And finally Abdirahman brings a bit of empathy for good measure as Bilal, the too-young member just trying to earn a living.

Captain Phillips is one of the biggest thrill-rides of the year, and must not be missed.