Eye in the Sky (2015) Watch Online Free

Eye in the Sky (2015) Watch Online

Eye in the Sky (2015) Watch Online Free

Director: Gavin Hood
Year: 2015 Rating: 76
Genres: Drama, Thriller, War

A UK-based military officer in command of a top secret drone operation to capture terrorists in Kenya discovers the targets are planning a suicide bombing and the mission escalates from “capture” to “kill. ” As American pilot Steve Watts is about to engage, a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone, triggering an international dispute reaching the highest levels of US and British government over the moral, political, and personal implications of modern warfare.


Eye in the Sky is a 2015 British thriller directed by Gavin Hood, featuring a distinguished cast including Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, and Alan Rickman. The film delves into the ethical and political complexities of modern warfare, particularly focusing on drone strikes.

The narrative centers on Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren), a British military officer leading a covert operation in Kenya to apprehend high-profile terrorists planning a suicide bombing. The mission escalates when surveillance reveals that the terrorists are preparing to launch their attack from a house in a densely populated area. The operation’s success hinges on a drone strike, but the presence of a young girl selling bread outside the target house introduces a moral dilemma.

As the decision-making process unfolds, the film shifts between various stakeholders:

  • Colonel Powell: Advocates for the strike, emphasizing the necessity to prevent imminent loss of life.
  • Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman): A seasoned military officer who provides a pragmatic perspective on the operation’s risks and benefits.
  • Steve Watts (Aaron Paul): A drone pilot tasked with executing the strike, who grapples with the immediate human consequences of his actions.
  • Political Leaders: Government officials who must balance military objectives with public opinion and international law.

The film meticulously portrays the tension between military objectives and ethical considerations, highlighting the challenges of making life-and-death decisions in the context of modern warfare.

Main Themes in Eye in the Sky (2015)

1. Ethical Dilemmas in Modern Warfare

Eye in the Sky explores the moral complexities faced by military personnel and political leaders when conducting drone strikes. The film raises questions about the value of human life, the justification of collateral damage, and the ethical implications of remote warfare.

2. The Disconnect Between Decision-Makers and Ground Realities

The film highlights the separation between those who make military decisions and those who experience their consequences. While high-ranking officials deliberate in secure environments, the immediate impact of their choices is felt on the ground, particularly by individuals like drone pilots and civilians in conflict zones.

3. The Burden of Responsibility

Eye in the Sky delves into the psychological weight carried by individuals involved in military operations. Characters like Steve Watts and Colonel Powell grapple with the moral and emotional consequences of their decisions, reflecting the personal toll of warfare.

4. The Influence of Politics on Military Decisions

The film examines how political considerations, including public opinion and international law, can influence military strategies and decisions. It portrays the tension between achieving military objectives and adhering to political constraints.

Impact of Eye in the Sky (2015)

Upon its release, Eye in the Sky received widespread critical acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative and compelling performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 95% approval rating based on 175 reviews, with a weighted average score of 7. 5/10. The consensus states, As taut as it is timely, Eye in the Sky offers a powerfully acted – and unusually cerebral – spin on the modern wartime political thriller.

Metacritic assigns the film a score of 73 out of 100, based on 38 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Critics particularly praised the performances of Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman, with Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times noting, Mr. Rickman was never nominated for an Academy Award and it’s probably a long shot for a posthumous Supporting Actor for this film – but his work here is a reminder of what a special talent he possessed.

The film sparked discussions on the ethics of drone warfare and the moral complexities faced by military personnel and political leaders. It also highlighted the psychological impact of warfare on individuals involved in such operations.

7 Reasons to Watch Eye in the Sky (2015)

  1. Compelling Exploration of Ethical Dilemmas
    • Thought-Provoking Narrative: The film delves into the moral complexities of modern warfare, particularly drone strikes, prompting viewers to reflect on the value of human life and the justification of collateral damage.
  2. Outstanding Performances
    • Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman: The film features powerful performances from Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman, who bring depth and authenticity to their roles, making the characters’ moral struggles resonate deeply.
  3. Realistic Depiction of Military Operations
    • Authentic Representation: Eye in the Sky offers a realistic portrayal of military decision-making processes, providing insight into the complexities and challenges faced by those involved in modern warfare.
  4. Engaging and Suspenseful Plot
    • Tense Storytelling: The film maintains a high level of suspense throughout, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters navigate the moral and logistical challenges of the operation.
  5. Timely and Relevant Themes
    • Contemporary Issues: The film addresses timely issues related to drone warfare and the ethical considerations of remote military operations, making it highly relevant to current global discussions.
  6. Strong Direction by Gavin Hood
    • Skilled Filmmaking: Director Gavin Hood effectively balances the film’s intense subject matter with compelling storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and thought-provoking.
  7. Critical Acclaim
    • Positive Reception: The film has received widespread critical acclaim, holding a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 73 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating its strong impact and quality.

How Will You Feel After Watching Eye in the Sky (2015)?

After watching Eye in the Sky, you may experience a profound sense of contemplation regarding the ethical complexities of modern warfare. The film’s portrayal of the moral dilemmas faced by the characters will likely leave you reflecting on the consequences of military decisions, particularly in the context of drone strikes and the collateral damage they can cause. You may feel a deep sense of empathy for the characters, especially those like Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) and Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren), who are caught between duty and morality.

The intense and suspenseful nature of the film might also evoke a sense of tension and unease, as the story builds to its inevitable conclusion. The ethical questions raised in the film will linger long after the credits roll, challenging you to think about the balance between military objectives and the value of human life.

Additionally, the emotional weight of the film, especially given Alan Rickman’s final performance, could leave you with a bittersweet feeling. His portrayal of General Frank Benson adds a layer of emotional depth, and his performance will resonate with viewers, reminding them of the impact of personal and professional decisions in life-and-death situations.

Ultimately, after watching Eye in the Sky, you may feel both intellectually stimulated and emotionally moved. The film’s exploration of modern warfare, moral responsibility, and the psychological toll of such decisions will likely stay with you, prompting introspection about the ethical challenges faced by those involved in military operations.