Watch In the Loop

In the Loop, a 2009 British satirical comedy film directed by Armando Iannucci, revolves around the political turmoil between the UK and the US in the lead-up to a possible war in the Middle East. The impetus behind the potential conflict is never explicitly stated, but the tension among the characters is palpable as they scramble to justify their positions. The film centers around a young British minister, Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), whose accidental comment to the press about the potential outbreak of war in the Middle East sets off a chain of events. Initially, Simon is seen as bumbling and ineffectual, but he quickly becomes embroiled in a series of high-stakes negotiations with the Americans, trying to weasel out of a conflict that he believes is a bad idea. Simon's activities are monitored and manipulated by a group of advisors and officials in both the UK and US governments, including the combative and foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), the Prime Minister's Director of Communications, whose job is to keep everything under control by any means necessary. As tensions escalate, Simon is forced to navigate a maze of double-crossings, backstabbing, and betrayals, all while trying to save face and avoid bringing the country into a war. Meanwhile, various other figures from both governments jostle and position themselves in the lead-up to the big decision. In the Loop is a sharply written and biting satire that employs rapid-fire dialogue, excellent performances, and a sometimes-exhausting amount of intercutting between scenes to create an intense atmosphere of political intrigue. The film is not afraid to dive into the muddy depths of politics to expose the flaws and flaws of the system, and the men and women who operate within it. While the film is undoubtedly heavy on political machinations, it never loses its sense of humor. The dialogue is consistently witty, and the performances of the cast are uniformly excellent. Tom Hollander's Simon is a well-meaning, but ultimately ineffectual politician who finds himself in over his head; Peter Capaldi's Malcolm is a hilariously profane and extremely competent advisor who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants; and James Gandolfini's General Miller is a bombastic and somewhat clueless American general who provides a lot of comic relief. The film's message is clear: war is bad, and the machinations of politicians and advisors can have terrible consequences for the people they represent. The film is not afraid to take on heavy subjects, but it does so with a deft touch and plenty of humor. Overall, In the Loop is a smart, funny, and incisive film that skewers the world of politics with unflinching gusto. If you're looking for a movie that will make you think and laugh in equal measure, this is an excellent choice.