The War Below (2021) is a British World War I drama directed by J.P. Watts, focusing on the lesser-known but remarkable true story of a group of British miners who were recruited to tunnel underneath enemy lines during the Battle of Messines in 1917. Unlike many war films that focus on the battlefield, The War Below highlights the ingenuity, bravery, and resilience of these unsung heroes, who played a pivotal role in one of the most crucial moments of the Great War.

The film centers on William Hackett (played by Sam Hazeldine), a working-class miner from Yorkshire, who, along with other miners, is enlisted by the British Army to dig a network of tunnels beneath the German trenches. Their mission is to plant explosives that will be detonated to break the stalemate on the Western Front. The dangerous and grueling task takes place in claustrophobic, suffocating conditions far below the earth, where they face not only the physical dangers of cave-ins and flooding but also the mental strain of constant enemy threat.

One of the film’s key themes is the divide between class and military hierarchy. Hackett, who initially faces resistance from higher-ranking officers because of his working-class background, proves through his leadership and expertise that his skills as a miner are crucial to the success of the mission. This aspect of the story underscores the importance of collaboration between the “everyman” and the military establishment, showing that the war effort required not just soldiers but also civilians with specialized skills.

The War Below excels in creating tension through its setting. The cramped, dark tunnels are depicted with a sense of realism, amplifying the feeling of danger and urgency. The filmmakers effectively convey the psychological toll the mission takes on the miners, who are constantly aware that the enemy could discover them at any moment. The visuals are striking, emphasizing the stark contrast between the grim underground world and the chaotic warfare happening above.

While the film is not a large-scale war epic, it stands out by focusing on a specific, largely untold aspect of World War I. The miners’ work at Messines Ridge was an extraordinary feat of engineering and bravery, as their successful detonation of explosives beneath the German lines created one of the largest man-made explosions in history, significantly altering the course of the battle. The movie brings attention to these forgotten heroes and their incredible contribution to the war effort.

In terms of character development, The War Below follows Hackett and his fellow miners as they grow from ordinary men into heroes. The camaraderie among the miners is a central focus, and their personal sacrifices and determination to see the mission through, despite the odds, form the emotional backbone of the film. The performances, particularly by Sam Hazeldine, bring authenticity to the characters and their struggles.

In conclusion, The War Below is a gripping and emotional portrayal of an overlooked chapter in World War I history. By focusing on the dangerous, unseen work of the British miners, the film sheds light on the bravery of ordinary men who used their skills to make an extraordinary difference in the war. Through its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and historical accuracy, The War Below pays tribute to the forgotten soldiers who fought not in the trenches, but deep underground.