“Greyhound” (2020) is a war film directed by Aaron Schneider and based on the 1955 novel “The Good Shepherd” by C.S. Forester. The screenplay is written by and stars Tom Hanks, who plays the lead role of Commander Ernest Krause.
Set during World War II, the film follows Commander Krause as he leads an international convoy of 37 Allied ships across the treacherous North Atlantic. Their mission is to deliver soldiers and much-needed supplies to the Allied forces in Europe. The convoy faces relentless attacks from a group of German U-boats, known as the Wolfpack, that are determined to disrupt their mission.
Commander Krause, commanding the USS Keeling (codenamed “Greyhound”), must navigate his ship and the convoy through the dangers of the open sea while protecting his crew and maintaining the convoy’s safety. The film focuses on his leadership and tactical decisions under extreme pressure, portraying the intense and relentless nature of naval warfare during the Battle of the Atlantic.
Throughout the journey, Krause grapples with his own doubts and fears, as this mission marks his first wartime command. The film emphasizes themes of duty, sacrifice, and the moral weight of command.
“Greyhound” is noted for its realistic depiction of naval combat and its emphasis on authenticity in portraying the strategic and technical aspects of wartime naval operations. The film received positive reviews for Hanks’ performance and its gripping, fast-paced narrative.