When I first read the title, I assumed it was a documentary about our present situation. It could very well be, given the USA and Iran’s ongoing conflict with no clear resolution in sight. We’re essentially in the same situation today as we were back in 1986, where escalating tension could lead to nuclear catastrophe like the two world leaders are trying to avoid here. 

This movie centers around the Reykjavík Summit in October 1986, where President Reagan sought to establish a nuclear agreement with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Writer-director Michael Russell Gunn was inspired to make the film after interviewing the late Secretary of State George Shultz. I wasn’t aware of this summit, and apparently neither did the director before he met Shultz, who shared the whole story of those intense 30 hours in Iceland. Gunn dedicated the film to Shultz, portraying him as a key player who helped steer the difficult negotiations.

I was drawn to this film because of the two acclaimed leads: Jeff Daniels as Reagan and Jared Harris as Gorbachev. The roles are very much in their wheelhouse since Daniels has played US presidents before (i.e., The Crossing) and Harris has taken on a Soviet historical character in the HBO mini-series Chernobyl. J.K. Simmons plays Shultz and has a good amount of screen time in this one. 

When we first meet Reagan, he’s talking to Shultz, saying, “I failed. I offered him the deal of the century, of human history, and he’s walking away over one word. “ I won’t give away what that word is, but history buffs probably already know. The film then takes us back to the start of the summit, showing scenes of Gorbachev and his wife Raisa (Branka Katić) getting ready for their trip.

The Brink of War is a decidedly dialogue-heavy film, mostly set in a single room at the real-life Höfði House in Iceland, featuring the same chairs that were used during the actual summit. The roughly 70 minutes of this mental showdown between two strong-willed world leaders is the highlight. The production made use of real historical transcripts and documents, although Gunn took some creative liberties. For instance, the world leaders converse in English here, while in reality, there were high-level state interpreters present. It’s done for dramatic effect, of course, as it allows for a more intense psychological chemistry between the two actors. 

Additionally, the third act compresses the timeline, making the aftermath seem more immediate. A little research reveals that it actually took a whole year of further diplomatic negotiations for them to finally sign the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in Washington, D.C., in December 1987.

Given the film is distributed by ANGEL Studios, I’m not surprised that the film painted him in a very sympathetic light and comes across as a better negotiator. I saw an interview of the actors where Harris said perhaps Gorbachev was a bit starstruck by Reagan, and that could be the case based on his portrayal. Reagan’s lines make him seem noble, almost like a saint, with phrases like “freedom,” “liberty,” and “we’re a nation of immigrants” popping up all the time. The script doesn’t hold back on the ideological clash; at one point, Reagan jokes, ‘I forgot you’re all atheists’ when Gorbachev looks puzzled by his ‘Christmas is coming!’ comment. 

What struck me is how starkly different these two historical figures were compared to who are currently in office now. Although they stood on opposite ends of the spectrum, there’s a level of mutual respect and decorum between Reagan and Gorbachev. In their most intense arguments, neither of them acts like a megalomaniac or a petulant child.

When Reagan wasn’t in negotiations, he’d take a rest in his bedroom, where he’d call Nancy, converse with Shultz, or talk to the taxidermy deer head on the wall. Daniels is a great actor, but I have to say, I got a bit distracted by his makeup sometimes and the fact that he doesn’t really resemble Reagan. That said, I do enjoy the funny moments that reveal the leaders’ human side, like when Reagan accidentally spilled chicken salad on his shirt. 

The story could definitely benefit from tighter editing, as some of the extra details, like the back-and-forth between two fictional journalists, don’t really add much to the main conflict. The parts about Raisa Gorbachev are a bit lost on me. It seems Raisa came to the summit at the last minute, while Nancy Reagan (Hope Davis) stayed back to fulfill her prior commitments. It’s kind of amusing that Davis had the same last name as the First Lady before she took on Reagan’s name, but she looked a lot more like Hillary Clinton. Their appearances might not be crucial to the plot, but it’s still refreshing to see some female representation in a story that’s largely male-dominated.

This is Gunn’s directorial debut, and he’s obviously still honing the craft, as his background is in writing. He started his Hollywood career as a protégé of Aaron Sorkin on the HBO show The Newsroom. A more seasoned director might have managed the film’s pacing better, giving it a stronger sense of momentum. Luckily, he has a fantastic cast that keeps the film engaging. Harris and Daniels elevate the less-than-riveting script, though sometimes the dialogue gets drowned out by Austin Wintory‘s overpowering score. 

One thing the film does well is showcasing the dire consequences for the entire planet if all strategic nuclear weapons aren’t eliminated. It emphasizes how a failure in negotiations can quickly escalate into a military threat with dire repercussions. Although this may not be the cheerful entertainment that many seek during the summer blockbuster period, I consider it a sobering and thought-provoking experience. In an increasingly polarized world, I appreciate a story that explores ways to bridge those divides.

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