Resistance

Set during the throes of World War II, Resistance is based around an alternate hypothetical situation, where D-Day has failed and the Nazis have successfully invaded Britain. The movie, a 2011 adaptation, is based on the astounding novel by Owen Sheers and stays true to the narrative's roots. Drawing together thrilling elements of military history with a tinge of realistic personal drama, the film provides a heart-wrenching insight into the impacts of war on personal relationships, societies, and the human spirit.

Resistance is set in the secluded Olchon valley of the Welsh borders. The inhabitants of this remote region wake up one day to find all their men missing, seemingly disappeared. The chilling reality unveils that the menfolk have all joined the Resistance, Britain's secret army devoted to driving out the Nazi invaders.

Centering her protagonist Sarah Lewis, played by Andrea Riseborough, the story unfolds her world shrouded in uncertainty, confusion and an intense longing for her husband. The environment is harsh, isolated, and saturated with dread. Yet, it is this isolation that becomes their best tool against the invaders. Andrea Riseborough adeptly captures a steely, somnambulist resistance inherent to her character, Sarah. She exhibits an emotive range transforming from an ordinary farmer's wife into a woman's unwavering struggle alone in a hostile situation.

In this vacuum, a handful of German soldiers arrive, led by Captain Albrecht Wolfram, portrayed impressively by Tom Wlaschiha. The enemy soldiers are not the brutal conquerors that one might anticipate but are human beings swept up in the currents of war. Wlaschiha does a commendable job embodying Albrecht's character, a man grappling with duty, honor, and fleeting affection for a land and its inhabitants he was supposed to destroy.

The presence of the enemy infantry within the valley triggers an unforeseen association between the women and the soldiers, shifting from the initial fear to a reluctant mutual dependence based on survival. Although the soldiers are the face of the oppressors, the hard lines of friend and foe blur as seasons change, and survival in harsh winter conditions becomes a shared goal.

Acting as a figure of moral counterpoint is Michael Sheen as Tommy Atkins, a pariah and famed for his pacifist stance. Sheen puts forth an intense performance delivering a sober reminder about the futility and damage of conflict.

Resistance defies the standard commercial genres revolving around twists, climaxes or explosive action sequences. The film doesn't center on the display of war's brutality, but it focuses on an exploration of the human response to invasion and occupation. The movie's strength is in its quietude. Each scene is charged with tension and an undercurrent of inherent fear and dread. The atmosphere, music, and cinematography are employed to a supremely effective degree, rendering an overarching claustrophobic environment that enhances the movie's impact.

The film has been beautifully lensed by Richard Stoddard, capturing the picturesque yet brutal winter landscape of the border valley. The bleak, stark milieu is stunningly palpable and serves as an eloquent commentary on the harsh realities that war inflicts upon the civilian populace and their once idyllic lives.

Both Andrea Riseborough and Tom Wlaschiha have shown their acting prowess, delivering powerfully restrained, empathetic, and humane performances. They are supported brilliantly by a talented cast including Michael Sheen and Kimberley Nixon.

Resistance is a well-crafted film, a reminder of the haunting realities of war, and an exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity. It forces the viewer to consider the extent to which war can alter social constructs, human relationships, and individual moralities. War is not just a military conflict but a stark invasion into the lives of innocent men and women. It underlines the strength and resilience of the human spirit, flickering even in the darkest of times.

In conclusion, Resistance is a compelling narrative that reimagines history with a mix of subtle drama, suspense, and deeply rooted human emotions. This movie is a remarkable journey through a time of despair, painting a vivid picture of unbowed human spirits against the backdrop of war. It has raised the bar for alternate history war dramas, and it is a thought-provoking watch for any history drama enthusiast.