Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
The harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.
Devotion is a solid, handsomely mounted Korean War drama anchored by the real story of Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. The cinematography is genuinely exceptional — the aerial combat sequences are stunningly realized with tactile, immersive photography that stands among the best in recent war films. The acting is capable and earnest, with Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell delivering grounded performances, though neither transcends the material. The plot follows a fairly conventional buddy-war-drama arc and doesn't push beyond its inspirational true-story framework, keeping it from standing out narratively. Novelty is limited — while the Korean War setting is underrepresented, the film's storytelling beats are familiar and formulaic for the genre. The ending is emotionally resonant and respectful of its subjects, landing with appropriate weight without being transcendent.