Greyhound Christian Review
There’s something deeply stirring about a ship cutting through endless ocean waves, surrounded by nothing but sky and sea. It’s a metaphor as old as storytelling itself: man versus nature, man versus enemy, and man versus himself. Greyhound, adapted from C.S. Forester’s The Good Shepherd and brought to life by Tom Hanks, leans into this timeless imagery, crafting a lean, urgent wartime drama that’s both riveting and quietly meditative. But is it just another war flick? Not quite. There’s a depth to this story—a sense of sacrifice, leadership, and faith—that resonates far beyond its brisk 91-minute runtime.
Tom Hanks: The Everyman Commander
Tom Hanks has a knack for portraying leaders under pressure. Whether he’s steering a plane onto the Hudson in Sully or battling existential threats in Apollo 13, there’s a reliability to his on-screen presence. In Greyhound, Hanks delivers another nuanced performance, this time as Commander Ernest Krause, a man captaining a U.S. destroyer on its maiden wartime voyage. Krause is not a grandiose figure. He’s soft-spoken, reserved, and carries the weight of leadership like a man who knows the burden it entails.
Hanks brings a particular humanity to Krause. This isn’t a character who revels in glory or shouts orders with bombastic bravado. Instead, he prays, he reflects, and he leads through quiet resolve. Krause’s faith is a recurring undercurrent in the film. He prays before meals (when he remembers to eat), seeks guidance in moments of uncertainty, and exudes a kind of humility that feels authentic rather than theatrical. His character reminds us that true leadership isn’t about power; it’s about service and sacrifice.
The Relentless Tension of the North Atlantic
If you’re looking for a sprawling epic filled with subplots and downtime, Greyhound isn’t it. This is a film with tunnel vision, and that’s part of its strength. The story unfolds almost entirely within the claustrophobic confines of the USS Keeling, known as Greyhound, as it escorts a convoy of Allied ships across the “Black Pit,” a perilous stretch of the Atlantic where air support is impossible. German U-boats prowl beneath the waves, and every second is a life-or-death gamble.
The pacing mirrors the convoy’s urgency. There’s no time to breathe, no room for tangents. Every decision Krause makes—when to fire, when to evade, when to press forward—carries immense weight. Yet amidst the chaos, there’s a strange stillness to the film. The vastness of the ocean, the monotony of gray skies, and the ever-present hum of danger create an atmosphere that feels both overwhelming and intimate.
This relentless focus might not appeal to everyone. Some might find the lack of backstory or character development frustrating. But for those willing to embrace its stripped-down approach, Greyhound offers a uniquely immersive experience. It’s less about the men on the ship and more about the mission itself—the unrelenting drive to protect and persevere.
Sacrifice at Sea
What sets Greyhound apart from other war films is its portrayal of heroism. This isn’t a story of grand victories or dramatic speeches. It’s about the quiet, often thankless acts of service that define true courage. Krause, for instance, sacrifices his own comfort and well-being for the sake of his crew. He skips meals, battles exhaustion, and carries the weight of every life lost.
This depiction of heroism feels deeply Christian in its essence. As the Bible teaches in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Krause embodies this principle, not through grand gestures but through steady, selfless leadership. His faith isn’t overtly highlighted, but it’s there—in his prayers, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to his duty.
A Somber Reflection on War
War films often walk a fine line between honoring sacrifice and glorifying violence. Greyhound leans firmly toward the former. While the action sequences are intense and gripping, they’re not the heart of the story. Instead, the film focuses on the human cost of war—the toll it takes on those who fight and the immense burden of leadership.
There’s a somber elegance to the film, a recognition that even necessary wars come with a heavy price. The U-boat attacks are terrifying, but they’re also tinged with tragedy. These aren’t just battles; they’re desperate struggles for survival. And while the Allies emerge victorious, the victory feels bittersweet.
This perspective feels especially meaningful in today’s world, where the complexities of leadership and sacrifice often go unappreciated. Greyhound reminds us that true heroism isn’t about glory; it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
A Nod to Old Hollywood
There’s a nostalgic quality to Greyhound that harks back to the classic war films of the 1940s and ’50s. It’s a straightforward story, told with efficiency and precision. There’s no reliance on flashy effects or convoluted plots. Instead, the film relies on strong performances, tight pacing, and a clear sense of purpose.
This simplicity might not resonate with everyone. In an era of sprawling epics and multi-layered narratives, Greyhound can feel almost old-fashioned. But for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of classic cinema, it’s a refreshing change of pace.
The Cost of Leadership
One of the film’s most compelling themes is the loneliness of leadership. Krause’s role as captain places him in a position of immense responsibility, and he bears that responsibility with grace and humility. Yet it’s clear that the weight of command takes a toll.
This theme is particularly poignant from a Christian perspective. Leadership, in the biblical sense, is often portrayed as a form of service. In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus tells His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Krause exemplifies this kind of servant leadership, putting the needs of his crew and the convoy above his own.
At the same time, the film acknowledges the cost of such leadership. Krause’s sleepless nights, his self-doubt, and his quiet moments of prayer all reflect the immense burden he carries. Yet he presses on, guided by his faith and his sense of duty.
Conclusion: A Film with Heart and Purpose
Greyhound isn’t a flashy film. It doesn’t rely on grand set pieces or emotional manipulation. Instead, it tells a simple, powerful story of duty, sacrifice, and perseverance. Through Tom Hanks’ understated performance and director Aaron Schneider’s meticulous direction, the film captures the essence of wartime heroism—quiet, steadfast, and deeply human.
For Christian viewers, Greyhound offers much to reflect on. It’s a story of faith in action, a reminder of the sacrifices required of true leadership, and a testament to the power of grace under pressure. It’s not just a war film; it’s a meditation on what it means to serve, to lead, and to endure.
Rating: 8.5/10
A stirring, heartfelt drama that honors the unsung heroes of WWII while offering timeless lessons on faith and leadership.
