The Current War Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two dudes fight over which kind of invisible juice should power the world, while a third dude just wants to get paid for his cool inventions.

🍿 The Current War: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Edison’s DC Vision

In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison champions his Direct Current (DC) system for powering America. He successfully lights up parts of Manhattan, demonstrating the potential of electricity but faces limitations in range and cost. Edison’s ambition is to electrify the entire nation, but DC’s inefficiencies pose a significant challenge.

Westinghouse’s AC Challenge

George Westinghouse recognizes the potential of Alternating Current (AC) and its ability to transmit electricity over long distances. He challenges Edison’s DC system, setting the stage for a fierce competition. Westinghouse partners with Nikola Tesla, whose AC motor proves to be a crucial advantage.

The Battle for Public Opinion

The competition between Edison and Westinghouse intensifies, leading to a battle for public opinion. Edison attempts to discredit AC by highlighting its dangers, even resorting to using it in the development of the electric chair. Westinghouse focuses on the technical merits of AC, striving to prove its safety and efficiency.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomas Alva Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch): A determined inventor and businessman who champions direct current (DC) and fiercely competes against alternating current (AC).
• George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon): A successful industrialist and inventor who believes in the superiority of alternating current (AC) for widespread electrification.
• Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult): A brilliant and eccentric inventor whose groundbreaking work on alternating current (AC) is initially overlooked.
• Samuel Insull (Tom Holland): Edison’s loyal and hardworking assistant who navigates the complex world of business and innovation.
• J.P. Morgan (Matthew Macfadyen): A powerful financier who invests in and influences the electric power industry.
• Mary Edison (Tuppence Middleton): Thomas Edison’s wife, who provides emotional support amidst his relentless pursuits.
• Marguerite Westinghouse (Katherine Waterston): George Westinghouse’s wife and partner, offering unwavering support and moral guidance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Samuel Insull: “So, what’s your trade?” – Insull, Edison’s assistant, skeptically asks Tesla about his skills upon their first meeting.
• Nikola Tesla: “I fix problems for idiots.” – Tesla’s reply to Insull is intended to show his genius and slightly arrogant attitude.
• Thomas Edison: “I don’t want to kill people.” – Edison states his objection to designing lethal technology when offered a partnership for munitions production.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,979,540
• Worldwide Gross: $12,217,160

💥 The Current War Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting a historical epic, and I got something… different. The acting was fantastic, Cumberbatch and Shannon are always worth watching. However, I left feeling like the story was a bit scattered. It tried to do too much, I think. Still, seeing how electricity changed the world was cool, especially the World’s Fair scene. I did find myself Googling Tesla afterwards, though – felt like he got a raw deal in the movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon”
  • “Those interested in science and technology”
  • “Viewers who enjoy historical dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence and electrocution of animals”
  • “Some thematic elements related to death”
  • “May not be suitable for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While boasting a stellar cast and eye-catching visuals, ‘The Current War’ struggles to ignite the screen with a compelling narrative. The historical events are present, but the emotional depth needed to truly engage the audience feels somewhat lacking.
• Variety: “Beautifully shot but dramatically inert, ‘The Current War’ presents a fascinating historical moment with little spark. Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon deliver solid performances, but the film never quite comes together to form a cohesive and captivating whole.
• The New York Times: “‘The Current War’ is a handsome but ultimately underwhelming historical drama. The film is visually stunning, and the cast is uniformly strong, but the story lacks the emotional resonance and narrative drive to truly captivate.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography was stunning and really brought the era to life.: Viewers appreciated the visually striking presentation of the film and the efforts to create an authentic historical atmosphere.

The performances by Cumberbatch and Shannon were praised, even if the story felt muddled to some.: The strong acting performances were a consistent highlight for audiences, even if the script wasn’t always up to par.

Overall Consensus: While the film boasts strong performances and impressive visuals, many viewers found the narrative to be somewhat unfocused and lacking in emotional depth, leading to a mixed reception.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017 but was shelved due to the Harvey Weinstein scandal. It was later re-edited and released in 2019.”
• “Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse never actually met in person, despite being central figures in the ‘current war’.”
• “Cragside House in Northumberland, England, served as the filming location for George Westinghouse’s home, representing his affluence and status.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Current War?

The Current War is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. Some platforms may offer a free trial before purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Current War, you might like these similar films:

• Tesla (2020): A biographical drama directly focusing on Nikola Tesla’s life and inventions, providing a different perspective on the same historical period.
• The Social Network (2010): Explores the cutthroat competition and legal battles surrounding the creation of Facebook, highlighting the darker side of innovation.
• Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988): Chronicles the ambitious but ultimately doomed attempt of Preston Tucker to challenge the established automobile industry with his innovative car.

🛒 The Current War Related Products

• Nikola Tesla: Imagination and the Man Who Invented the 20th Century: Explore the life and mind of the genius often sidelined in the story of electricity, the book offers a compelling exploration of Tesla’s groundbreaking inventions.
• Edison: A Biography: A detailed biography of Thomas Edison, provides insight into the life, inventions, and business strategies of the iconic inventor.
• Westinghouse: The Power Behind Electrical Innovation: Explore the life and impact of George Westinghouse, the industrialist behind the development of AC power and rival to Thomas Edison.
• AC/DC Power Supply Principles: For Non-Electrical Engineers: Learn the principles of AC/DC power supply. A guide to understanding modern electronics.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Current War features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Autumn 3” – performed by Max Richter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon on “The Current War” | The View

Want to hear Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon talk about their characters’ epic rivalry in ‘The Current War’? It’s cool to see their perspectives on the climate change themes in the film, and get a peek into what they thought of the roles!

How we started using AC current? Edison vs Tesla | war of currents

Ever wondered how AC current actually won out in the battle between Edison and Tesla? This video breaks it down! It’s a fun, easy-to-understand explanation of the science and history behind the movie’s story. Super interesting stuff!

‘Joker’ & ‘The Current War’ | On Cinema Season 11, Ep. 2 | adult swim

Need a good laugh? This Adult Swim sketch hilariously reviews both ‘Joker’ and ‘The Current War’! It’s a super funny and quirky take on the movie.

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