A lesser-known war film that had one fan holding their breath throughout is hailed as a “must-watch”. The War Below (2021) is a British drama set during World War I about a group of miners tasked with tunnelling underneath no man’s land and under German positions during the Battle of Messines in 1917.

The low-budget movie was based on a true story, focusing on an often-overlooked aspect of the battle that resulted in devastating losses for the German side. The fictional tunnelling unit is made up of an ensemble cast, including Sam Hazeldine, Kris Hitchen, Joseph Steyn, Elliot James Langridge, and Sam Clemmett.

The film was a directorial debut for J.P. Watt, who co-wrote it with Thomas Woods. Fans heaped praise upon the film on IMDb. One gave it a 10/10 score, calling it a “gem of a film”.

“Pared back and raw, it depicts the quiet heroism of these unsung heroes with such respect”, they added. “There is a world of pain and conflict in the character George, portrayed so beautifully by Elliot James Langridge. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Another said: “Was really interesting to find out about this. Production value was high, especially production design. The actors did amazingly well to convey what life was like during those times.

“The atmosphere and drama created really was amazing, along with all the special effects, it was brilliant. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.”

A third said it was surprisingly good given that it was made on a small budget.

“It’s obviously no 1917, and I wasn’t sure want to make of it at first, but you get into it and I’m glad I stuck with it, because by the end I was totally engrossed,” they added.

“A poignant ending and a fine tribute to the miners of WWI. I would recommend it, and would equally watch it again.”

Not everyone was entirely taken with it. One IMDb suer said it its “decent production values and (with a couple of exceptions)” and “excellent performances” were “let down by a bizarrely uneven script”.

Another said: “Too much emotion, too little structure. It’s not a complete waste of time, but it cannot compare to Beneath Hill 60,” a 2010 film about Australian miners’ efforts to lay mines under the Germans on the Western Front.

But others were impressed by the approach the film took, with one saying: “Went to see this with my family in the cinema and it was brilliant. It wasn’t over the top like some war movies can be, and had me holding my breath all the way throughout. Fantastic acting in it too. Seriously recommend giving this a watch.”

A fifth said: “Great cast, fantastically written. It makes you see just a little of war our heroes went through as boys and men. A true must watch.”

The film has a 12A certificate and features moderate violence.

The War Below is available to buy or rent on various platforms including YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Store.