The Wall (2017) Movie Review: A Tense, Psychological Thriller
The Wall is a 2017 war-thriller directed by Doug Liman and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena. Set during the Iraq War, the film delivers a stripped-down, intense experience that focuses on two American soldiers trapped by an unseen Iraqi sniper. With its limited setting and minimal cast, The Wall is a tightly wound psychological thriller that explores the horrors of warfare, the unpredictability of combat, and the mental toll that survival takes on a soldier.
In this review, we’ll break down the film’s plot, performances, direction, and key themes, while also providing details on where to watch The Wall online.
Plot Summary: A Game of Cat and Mouse
The story of The Wall is deceptively simple. Two U.S. soldiers, Staff Sergeant Shane Matthews (played by John Cena) and Sergeant Allen Isaac (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), are on a mission to investigate a possible insurgent attack on a pipeline in the Iraqi desert. After observing the site for nearly 24 hours and seeing no signs of life, they decide to approach, assuming the area is clear.
However, they are quickly ambushed by an expert Iraqi sniper named Juba, who shoots Matthews, leaving him incapacitated. Isaac scrambles for cover behind a crumbling stone wall, only to find himself trapped, unable to reach his injured comrade. Armed with just a radio and a limited supply of ammunition, Isaac must figure out how to survive while trying to outsmart a highly skilled adversary.
What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse between Isaac and Juba. The sniper not only has deadly accuracy but also begins toying with Isaac, communicating with him over the radio. As the two exchange words, Juba psychologically manipulates Isaac, slowly unraveling his composure. The film becomes a battle of wits, testing Isaac’s endurance and resourcefulness as he tries to figure out how to escape his precarious situation.
Performances: A Gripping Solo Showcase by Aaron Taylor-Johnson
While The Wall features John Cena in a supporting role as Matthews, the film largely rests on the shoulders of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who carries the movie with a riveting solo performance. Taylor-Johnson delivers a raw and emotional portrayal of Isaac, a soldier who is not only physically wounded but also mentally exhausted as he endures the sniper’s relentless taunts.
As the film progresses, Isaac’s internal struggle becomes just as compelling as his external battle for survival. Trapped in an unforgiving environment with no backup and no hope of immediate rescue, Taylor-Johnson effectively conveys the growing desperation of his character. His performance is one of physical and emotional intensity, showing Isaac’s vulnerability, frustration, and determination as he tries to maintain his composure.
John Cena, though playing a more limited role, is effective as the injured Matthews. His presence at the beginning of the film establishes the camaraderie between the two soldiers, making Isaac’s fight to survive and save his comrade more personal.
The true antagonist of the film is Juba, the unseen Iraqi sniper. While he is never fully shown on screen, his voice (provided by Laith Nakli) looms large over the film. Juba is a cold and calculating adversary, and his psychological warfare is as deadly as his marksmanship. Through his conversations with Isaac, Juba provides insight into his motivations and tactics, elevating him from a faceless villain to a character with his own perspective on the war.
Direction and Cinematography: Minimalism and Tension
Director Doug Liman is known for his work on action-packed films like The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow, but The Wall is a far more contained and minimalist effort. Liman crafts a gripping and claustrophobic atmosphere, using the film’s limited setting to heighten tension. The film is essentially a one-location thriller, with Isaac pinned behind a deteriorating wall in the middle of a barren desert. Despite the static location, Liman keeps the audience engaged with dynamic camera work and a focus on the psychological stakes of the story.
The cinematography, handled by Roman Vasyanov, captures the harsh and oppressive environment of the desert, with wide shots emphasizing the vast emptiness surrounding Isaac. This sense of isolation is crucial to the film’s atmosphere, as it reinforces the idea that Isaac is truly alone in this fight, cut off from the outside world with no one to rely on but himself.
The sound design is also worth noting, as it plays a significant role in building suspense. The crack of gunfire, the eerie silence of the desert, and the static-filled radio conversations all contribute to the film’s tense, nerve-wracking atmosphere.
Themes: Survival, Isolation, and the Psychology of War
While The Wall is a war movie on the surface, it’s more concerned with the psychological effects of combat than large-scale battles or military strategy. The film explores the mental strain that warfare can impose on soldiers, particularly when faced with the prospect of death in a seemingly hopeless situation. Isaac’s conversations with Juba serve as a way to peel back the layers of his character, revealing his fears, doubts, and inner conflict as he wrestles with the possibility of failure.
The film also touches on the idea of asymmetric warfare, where an enemy that cannot be seen or predicted poses a greater threat than one that can be confronted directly. Juba represents an unseen force, methodically dismantling Isaac’s willpower, not just with bullets but with words.
Another key theme is isolation. Isaac is physically isolated, trapped behind a wall with no backup, but he’s also emotionally isolated as Juba manipulates him into questioning his own beliefs about the war, his duty, and his place in the world.
Reception: A Divisive but Effective Thriller
The Wall received generally favorable reviews from critics, particularly for its minimalist approach and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s performance. However, it was a divisive film, with some viewers appreciating its stripped-down, intense style, while others found the lack of action or character development limiting. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, building tension through small moments rather than explosive set-pieces, which may not appeal to everyone.
What makes The Wall stand out in the war genre is its focus on psychological tension rather than large-scale combat, offering a more introspective look at the mental toll of warfare. It’s a film that demands patience, but for those willing to engage with its slow-burn intensity, it delivers a gripping, thought-provoking experience.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch The Wall Online
If you’re interested in watching The Wall, several platforms in the U.S. offer it for streaming, rental, or purchase.
1. Amazon Prime Video (Subscription/Rental/Purchase)
One of the most accessible ways to watch The Wall is on Amazon Prime Video, where it is available for streaming with a Prime subscription, as well as for rental or purchase.
- Subscription: Free with Prime membership
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
- Availability: U.S. only
2. Apple TV
You can rent or buy The Wall on Apple TV.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
- Availability: U.S. only
3. Google Play Movies & TV
For Android users, Google Play Movies & TV offers the film for rental or purchase.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
- Availability: U.S. only
4. YouTube Movies
The Wall is also available for rent or purchase on YouTube Movies.
- Rental Price: Starting at $3.99
- Purchase Price: Starting at $9.99
- Availability: U.S. only
Conclusion: A Tight, Tense Thriller That Examines the Human Spirit
The Wall may not be a traditional war movie filled with action and heroics, but it’s a gripping, psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With strong performances, particularly from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and a minimalist approach to storytelling, Doug Liman delivers a suspenseful and thought-provoking film that delves into the psychological effects of war. The film’s tense atmosphere, combined with its focus on survival and the human spirit, makes it a unique entry in the war-thriller genre.
If you’re looking for a war movie with a more introspective, cerebral take on the subject matter, The Wall offers an engaging experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll. With various streaming platforms offering it for rent or purchase, it’s easy to find and watch this hidden gem.
