Ed Harris and David Duchovny star in this naval thriller, about a Soviet submarine that finds itself on course with the annihilation of the world.
Captain Demi (Harris) is a nearly-retired patriot who is respected by his crew of sailors. Having recently returned home from a mission, Demi is ordered back out onto the seas in a boat he once crashed, taking with him some delicate cargo. Guarding this cargo is Bruni (Duchovny) and his gun-wielding goon, and the two of them hold the future of the Soviet Republic.
The “Phantom” is a device that can copy the signal of another ship and relay it to an enemy, making them think they are chasing another country’s submarine. Bruni plans to use this device in order to start a nuclear war between the Soviet’s enemies.
Almost entirely set inside the steel tubes of this archaic submarine, Phantom is a pulsating thriller that creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, whilst engaging with a full-throttle plot.
Ed Harris is phenomenal. His performance determines the film, elevating it above a mere game of battleship, into a full-on war game. Surrounding him, there is also some heavy-hitting talent; Duchovny playing an unlikely villain, and William Fichtner playing Harris’ enduringly loyal Second-in-Command.
Whilst the acting talent is ship-shape, and the film’s aesthetic/atmosphere is plain sailing, the pace of the story needed some extra knots, languishing about during the opening third. This being said, Phantom delivers a worthwhile sea-faring adventure that combines political mutiny with overt heroism - a combination some may find leaves them feeling sea-sick, but most will salute.
(That’s it, I’m all out of sea puns, sea ya’ later, man overboard).
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