This futurist war film is set in a Ukraine torn apart by pro-Russian separatists and local resistance groups in 2036. American forces are present in a supposedly peace-keeping role, which they pursue in a particularly aggressive manner. Lt Harp was a drone pilot who is sent to the US base in Ukraine as a punishment. He finds himself working with Capt Leo, who is described by their CO, Colonel Eckhart, as ‘not like us’. Together, they attempt to stop a terrorist with Russian sympathies from acquiring launch codes for some forgotten nuclear missiles. Their mission takes them outside the wire, which is the boundary of the American military base. It is also the place where civilisation stops, and atrocities become commonplace.

The film is surprisingly authentic in portraying military culture. The robot soldiers, known as ‘G.R.U.M.P.S’, might be a little beyond what industry can produce today, and probably will not be realised by 2036, but they do look authentic. Some critics have linked the film to ‘Chappie’, but that is tenuous at best.

Violent action occurs frequently. One of the reasons for Harp being sent to the Ukraine is for him to witness the results of his actions first-hand. Normally, he is removed by thousands of miles and sitting in front of a computer screen when people are dying. He is not a special forces super soldier. In the first few fire fights he is immobilised by fear, which is surprisingly realistic and not the normal Hollywood representation of heroes in combat. Capt Leo is far more assured and deadly efficient at killing their enemies, however, but then he’s an android.

One of themes of the film is the insatiable appetite of the American war machine. It is the real reason why US forces are in Ukraine. A massive weapons manufacturing industry depends on America fighting wars continuously. It is not a subject that gets as much discussion in the film as it deserves, not least because it is the main motivation for Capt Leo’s actions. I felt that the film’s conclusion was a bit of side-step of the issue also. I understood why they delivered a cliché ending, but it was disappointing because there was a valid opportunity to make a bold statement that the film-makes chose not to do, almost at the last minute.

The acting is good. I liked both Anthony Mackie’s and Damson Idris’ performances in the lead roles. It moves at a good pace and the action scenes are well executed. Despite some of the weightier themes, this is mostly an adventure war movie set in the near future. It felt like it could have been more, but it did not rise to what might have been an earlier ambition. Despite that it was entertaining, which made it worthwhile.