The Current War

Ah, how fascinating it must have been to see the development of technology that changed the world up close! In the end of 19th century Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) were running neck and neck in a contest for the most cutting-edge invention, which would provide electricity for the greatest number of people. Today, history remembers only one of them. Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s film shows scenes of scientists’ rivalry, focusing on what people consider distinct characteristics of Americans: entrepreneurial spirit, a “can-do” attitude and a noble competition. The Current War is a beautifully acted, thrilling film about the events that changed the history of the world. Variety’s reviewer stressed that The Current War benefits from a smart, snappy script and a well-rounded cast, and gives its director the chance to employ virtually every camera trick known to man.