Film Review: ‘Thirteen Lives’ Edge of Your Seat Visual Storytelling
Ron Howard’s directing elevates this from simply being a perilous mission to an endeavor that taps into the deepest aspect of human valor. The rescue scenes are nail-biting, depicting a claustrophobic, volatile environment.
Back in 2018, a real-life rescue mission captivated the world. Twelve soccer players, ranging in age from 11-17, and their coach Ekapol Chantawong were trapped in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave under dire circumstances. What started out as a birthday celebration on June 23 for player Peerapat Sompiangjai, aka Night, turning 17 became a nightmare. The boys were unaware of the swift change in weather and were victims of the cave flooding due to monsoon rains. Stuck in absolute darkness and oblivious of how much time was elapsing, they survived on birthday snacks and water that dripped from the cave until they were discovered on July 2 by world-class British divers John Volanthen and Richard Stanton. Getting them out proved to be a perilous journey that spanned the days from July 8 to 10. It has a happy ending due to the expertise and nerves of steel of the men who saved them.
People throw around the word hero frequently these days but sometimes the term actually applies. Ron Howard’s forthcoming Thirteen Lives focuses on the four men who were at the heart of the rescue and the community that supported them, which included locals and Thai Navy SEALS. Colin Farrell as John Volanthen gives a subdued, earnest performance that’s enthralling to watch. As a father, John’s innate connection to the kids he’s saving is demonstrable. Viggo Mortensen plays his diving partner, Richard Stanton. He’s the leader of the pack, yet a bit of a lone wolf. At this point in his life, he and John have performed many underwater rescues. He prides himself on being the best at what he does and refuses to let this situation defeat him or his team. Mortensen’s quiet intensity and clear-eyed optimism matches Farrell’s stellar performance. Joel Edgerton is anesthesiologist Harry Harris and Tom Bateman is Chris Jewell. All of the actors inhabit their roles, giving this true story its necessary authenticity.
Screenwriters William Nicholson imbues these rescue warriors with a humility and grace that everyone can aspire to. The international and community efforts to save the boys is both inspiring and auspicious.
Ron Howard’s directing elevates this from simply being a perilous mission to an endeavor that taps into the deepest aspect of human valor. The rescue scenes are nail-biting, depicting a claustrophobic, volatile environment. We’re also constantly aware of the hazards above ground. It’s a zero-sum game with man eventually overcoming nature’s wrath.
Even if you’ve seen 2021’s excellent documentary The Rescue, Thirteen Lives is worth a watch for the nuanced performances and edge-of-your-seat visual storytelling.
The MGM release drops exclusively for one week in select New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago theaters on July 29, then launches globally on Prime Video on August 5.
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Sonya Alexander started off her career training to be a talent agent. She eventually realized she was meant to be on the creative end and has been writing ever since. As a freelance writer she’s written screenplays, covered film, television, music and video games and done academic writing. She’s also been a script reader for over twenty years. She's a member of the African American Film Critics Association and currently resides in Los Angeles.
