REVIEW: Majors and Powell Soar High in Devotion
Devotion is a riotous, rousing tale of elite naval fighter pilots as they take to the skies during the Korean War. Adapted from Adam Makos’ book, Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Brotherhood and Sacrifice, and based on true events the film stars Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). The film timelines the start of their friendship to the unthinkable measures Hudner undertakes to save his wingman and his friend. Chronicling the trials and tribulations the two faced as they attempted to navigate the U.S. Navy, as well as the ever-changing social climate of the 1950s.
Directed by J. D. Dillard, Devotion is a touching story that is backed by extraordinary cinematography. Dillard effortlessly transports the audience back to the 1950s and engrosses them in a film filled with drama and heart. The friendship between Brown and Hudner was not easy nor was it picturesque, but Dillard manages to convey these aspects without vilifying either. During a time when segregation was a hot topic and interracial friendships were few and far between, screenplay writers Jake Crane and Jonathan A. Stewart manage to balance the importance of their friendship with the dramatic backdrop of the Korean War.
Powell and Majors star as the film’s leads, Hudner and Brown respectively and are fantastic together and apart. The two bring their A-game as they pay tribute to these two legendary elite fighter pilots. The duo is joined in the film by Christina Jackson as Jesse Brown’s wife Daisy, Joe Jonas as fighter pilot, Marty Goode, Thomas Sadoski as fighter pilot, Dick Cevoli, Daren Kagasoff as fighter pilot, Bill Koenig, Nick Hargrove as fighter pilot, Carol Mohring, and Spencer Neville as fighter pilot, Bo Lavery. Each actor holds their own, but it is Jonas’ Goode and Jackson’s Daisy that leave the lasting impacts. Jackson has terrific scenes alongside Majors and a solo scene that will leave you in tears while Jonas’ Goode brings a number of laughs to lighten a relatively heavy film.
Devotion is a heartfelt story that pays tribute to two legendary fighter pilots. Filled with fantastic aviation scenes and strong performances, Devotion should receive some awards buzz as we fly into awards season. The film will leave you researching more of the fateful day on December 4, 1950 and the unbelievable heroics these two laid down for their country, and each other. Devotion is definitely a film you will want to check out this Holiday season.
Grade: A