Answering the call of duty in 1917 trailer

There is only one way this war ends

What is it about the Great War that continues to draw our interest? Director Sam Mendes' (American Beauty, Skyfall) latest, titled 1917, continues Hollywood's fascination with the "war to end all wars", and the harrowing first trailer has made its debut.

The film takes place over the course of one day and tells the story of soldiers tasked with sending a message to forces on a doomed mission. The crux is that one of the soldier's brother is amongst those seemingly on the suicide mission (sounds a little Saving Private Ryan no?);

"At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them."

Directed by Mendes, the film is based off a screenplay he co-wrote with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Penny Dreadful). 1917 is set for limited release December 20th before it is set to open wide January 10th, 2020. The film co-stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, and Richard Madden.

Rumors abound that the film may be one long continuous take, but regardless, the trailer makes for an exhilarating reveal of what should be one of the most interesting war films in recent times.