Kathryn Bigelow’s New Political Thriller Is Frustratingly Divisive

Since the introduction of nuclear weapons and the creation of the Chicago Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock, fear of a world-ending war has been embedded in our minds. From school kids ducking under desks during drills to preparing fallout shelters, we want to believe there’s something we can do if, or when, the time comes. Kathryn Bigelow’s newest film, A House of Dynamiteplays on those fears while reminding viewers of one terrifying fact: even those at the top are flawed, scared humans.

Bigelow began her directorial career with films like the underrated vampire horror movie Near Darkthe cult action film Point Breakand the cyberpunk dystopian thriller Strange Days before moving on to political thrillers such as The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. For A House of Dynamiteshe teams up with screenwriter Noah Oppenheim (Jackie, The Maze Runner), who is also the former president of NBC News. Given Bigelow and Oppenheim’s combined political expertise and filmmaking experience, and a stellar cast, it’s surprising the film received only a limited theatrical release before heading to Netflix on October 24. Perhaps the company and Bigelow knew how divisive A House of Dynamite is sure to be among viewers.

A House of Dynamite Is Told in Three Inconsistent Acts

A House of Dynamite’s first act follows an Army team at Fort Greely, Alaska, led by Major Daniel Gonzalez (Anthony Ramos), as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is detected. Once confirmed as a real threat to the United States, an alert is sent to the White House Situation Room, overseen by senior staff member Olivia Walker (Rebecca Ferguson). As anti-ballistic missiles fail to bring the ICBM down, the alert continues to escalate until it reaches a terrifying DEFCON 1 status.

Act 1 is filled with intense, nail-biting moments as mass destruction on U.S. soil seems imminent. The film immediately feels like an extension of Fox’s long-running show 24, but Ferguson delivers a brilliant and captivating performance that makes you forget all about Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer. She portrays a worried mother and wife who grasps the gravity of the situation, making us feel the weight of what’s happening as she’s powerless to stop it, despite her position. As the counter that tracks the incoming missile ticks down, the film takes an unexpected Groundhog Day-like approach by resetting the clock. We’re shown the same events as Act 1, but from different perspectives in Acts 2 and 3. This is unfortunate, as it almost hurts to be pulled away from Ferguson’s powerhouse performance to focus on other characters.

Act 2 follows various military, White House, FEMA, and NSA personnel, whom we meet in Act 1 via video call with the Situation Room. They are joined by the President of the United States, whose voice is only heard at this point. As the second act begins, it’s beyond jarring as it interrupts the momentum of the first, right when you’re on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

Act 3 primarily focuses on the President (Idris Elba), who is faced with difficult decisions and pressure coming from all sides. Elba is a wildly versatile actor, so it’s disappointing to see him in a weaker role with dialogue that rarely does him any favors. His character has some charming moments during a school event, channeling Obama at his charismatic best, but the charm quickly fades once he’s thrown into action. His character is one-dimensional, appearing largely clueless and gruff regarding his position as POTUS.

There are other strong performances across all three acts, including Gabriel Basso (as Deputy National Security Advisor Jake Baerington), Jared Harris (as Secretary of Defense Reid Baker) and Jason Clarke (as Admiral Mark Miller). Still, the momentum ultimately wanes, especially in Act 3.

Kathryn Bigelow Enlisted Experts to Keep the Political Thriller Grounded

Image via Netflix

It is no secret that the United States has created and continues to create enemies over the years. In the film, the missile initially goes undetected, so one of the main questions is “Where did it come from?” A House of Dynamite examines the possibilities, breaking down which countries might be responsible for such an attack. Although Bigelow’s political thriller is entirely fictional, the director brought in actual military consultants and technical advisors to maintain a sense of realism. Their real-world expertise and Noah Oppenheim’s political background shine through in the script, as terrifying as it is to hear everything laid out.

While the script falters, including a somewhat tedious monologue from Elba that explains the film’s title, there is some compelling conversation between the POTUS and his presidential strategy advisor, Lieutenant Commander Robert Reeves (Jonah Hauer-King). Reeves introduces a chilling binder that he is required to carry at all times, which details the United States’ adversaries and potential paths to war. This realistic portrayal of global superpowers helps to prevent an uneven third act from completely derailing.

A House of Dynamite’s Ending Will Leave Viewers Divided

Image via Netflix

Things start to feel a bit alarming as the clock in Act 3 ticks on without clear answers. Which country sent the missile? Should the United States send a deadly message to its enemies before more attacks happen? Is this the beginning of World War III? The same questions the characters asked in Act 1 are still being asked, just in different ways.

Some will undoubtedly argue that the point of A House of Dynamite is to raise and explore these questions, among others, while emphasizing that we’re all human and no one truly has all the answers. To that point, it serves as a politically thought-provoking film during a tense time when uncertainties about nuclear war persist, and the Doomsday Clock sits at 89 seconds to midnight. And, for the most part, it does so in an entertaining, popcorn way. However, others who appreciate a real, more definitive ending will certainly feel let down when the credits roll.

In the end, Kathryn Bigelow and Noah Oppenheim are perhaps asking for too much patience from the audience. After a nearly two-hour runtime and a repetitive plot, it is more than reasonable for viewers to anticipate appropriate closure and answers to at least one of the several questions introduced. Unfortunately, there aren’t any. Although some of the movie’s events and points will stick with you after it ends, A House of Dynamite only offers a frustrating conclusion.

A House of Dynamite is now streaming on Netflix following a limited theatrical release on October 10.

Release Date

October 3, 2025

Runtime

113 minutes

Director

Kathryn Bigelow

Writers

Noah Oppenheim

Producers

Brian Bell, Greg Shapiro

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  Rebecca Ferguson

  Captain Olivia Walker

Pros & Cons

• A political thriller grounded in realism.
• Rebecca Ferguson gives a standout performance.
• A strong, nail-biting first act.

• Idris Elba’s character lacks complexity.
• The ending will be divisive among viewers.
• Momentum is inconsistent.