The film commences with a depiction of two protagonists, William Schofield and Tom Blake, taking respite near a tree. Their rest, however, is interrupted by an officer that ordered them to came 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 an urgent message to Colonel Mackenzie of the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. This message is intended to cancel a scheduled attack the following morning, which jeopardize the lives of 1,600 men, 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. This clarity of motivation serves to engender empathy from the audience towards the protagonists. However, as the story progresses, several questions arise regarding decision-making at the command level.
To begin with, when Schofield inquires, “Is it just us?” and receives the cryptic answer from General Erinmore: ,Down to Gehenna or Up to the Throne, he travels the fastest who travels alone’. This decision seems precarious, given potential hazards such as enemy sniper or machine fire during the crossing of no-man’s land. One may question why the British command did not opt to send multiple teams to increase the probability of mission success. Additionally, General Erinmore’s assertion that the telephone lines were cut by the enemy artillery 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 used for communications; 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 thinking, by relying on the efforts of only two individuals.
Furthermore, the selection of Schofield, a seasoned veteran of the battlefield on the Somme is absolutely logical and understandable. However, the choice of Tom Blake is controversial, since it is motivated only due to his familial connection; he is not an experienced warrior, who knows how to act in difficult and hopeless situations. 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.