The film commences with a depiction of two protagonists, William Schofield and Tom Blake, taking respite near a tree. Their tranquility, however, is abruptly interrupted by an officer summoning them to the command center. Subsequently, they proceed to the trenches and eventually arrive at a command post, where they are tasked by General Erinmore with the crucial mission of conveying a message to Colonel Mackenzie of the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. This message is intended to cancel a planned assault the following morning, which poses a significant threat to the lives of 1,600 individuals, including Blake’s brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake.
In essence, the initial exposition of the narrative provides insight into the motivations of the main characters. The imminent danger faced by 1,600 men, including the protagonist’s own brother, establishes a relatable and compelling impetus for the central characters. This clarity of motivation serves to engender empathy from the audience towards the protagonists. However, as the plot unfolds, several queries arise pertaining to the decision-making at the command level.
To begin with, when Schofield inquires, “Is it just us?” and receives the cryptic response from General Erinmore, there is a perplexing choice of deploying only two soldiers to cross enemy lines. This decision seems precarious, given potential hazards such as enemy sniper fire and the direct order to traverse no-man’s land. One may question why the British command did not opt to dispatch multiple teams to increase the probability of mission success. Additionally, General Erinmore’s assertion that the telephone lines were severed by the enemy raises the question as to why specialized units were not dispatched to repair these vital communications. It is noteworthy that during World War 1, wireless telegraphy and carrier pigeons were viable means of communication; further consideration could have been given to utilizing aircraft to air-drop the message. Alternatively, a combination of these strategies could have been employed to ensure contingency in the event of plan failure. The representation of the British command in the film appears to lack foresight and strategic acumen, by placing undue reliance on the efforts of only two individuals.
Furthermore, the selection of Schofield, a seasoned veteran of the battlefield on the Somme, and Tom Blake, predominantly due to his familial connection, raises concerns about the rationale behind their appointment for such a pivotal mission. This portrayal of the decision-making process underscores the precarious and non-strategic nature of the operation, a situation that would likely yield an unfavorable outcome in reality.
Overall, while the initial premise of the film effectively establishes the motivation of the protagonists, the subsequent portrayal of the command’s decision-making raises questions about its strategic prudence and rationality.