The film, inspired by the experiences of Mendes' grandfather, is an audacious technical experiment that unfolds as one shot, overseen by masterful cinematographer Roger Deakins (who won an Oscar for Blade Runner 2049). 

Two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them. 

Backing up MacKay and Chapman is a top drawer cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Richard Madden. But it seems Mendes and Deakins are the real stars here, vividly depicting time as its own kind of dangerous enemy along with artillery and shells.