Devotion (2022)

Devotion review by Mark McPherson - Cinema Paradiso

There’s a certain dignity within stories like Devotion, where the filmmakers tried to respect the source material. This film sticks so close to the standard war picture formula for trying to tell the true story of the naval duo that was Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner during the Korean War. What helps elevate this picture above the many military dramas is that it features some strong performances from a robust cast.

All credits need to be paid to Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell for making this film work for their roles as Ensign Jesse Brown and Lieutenant Junior Grade Tom Hudner, respectively. During the 1950s, Brown sought to prove himself as a skilled pilot to provide for his wife and child. He commits himself to every challenge and stands strong as all the other pilots. Forming a bond with Brown is Hudner, a devoted pilot who helps out Brown if he needs a lift to the base. The two learn more about each other and connect well, becoming invested in seeing each other succeed.

More pressure is placed on Brown to set an example even when it appears he’s just another pilot. He passes his tests with flying colors but watches as a white pilot fails and crashes during a landing. The fear creeps into Brown that he could also fail and would be used as an example to further racism within the ranks. It’s a fear he fights off throughout the film. When being photographed by journalists, they try to ask him questions about his race and representing his people in the NAVY. Brown steers the conversation away from that topic but is constantly bombarded with this realization. It’s not lost on him, but it’s darkness he buries. During a moment to himself, he stares at himself in the mirror and growls racist insults at himself, telling himself that he will fail. It’s a reminder of what he’s up against and a lingering sense of doubt he confronts.

Outside of the comradery and race aspects, this film proceeds down a familiar course. The many flights of Brown and Hudner are stellar yet standard war-movie moments, complete with believable VFX for the planes and exciting gunfire as the camera zooms around the dogfights. I wasn’t expecting Top Gun: Maverick's levels of dedication to these moments of flight, and on a technical level, they’re relatively sound. But they’re also diced up and staged in typical war movie fashion with a steady pace and decent orchestral track to back up the drama. These scenes are neat but feel made-to-order for the genre. Watching Brown make a tough call to take out a bridge alone was intense, risking being shot down by Chinese gunfire.

The non-combat moments also feel like they’re missing a little something extra. There’s a mildly amusing sequence when Brown and Hudner enjoy relaxation in France, where they make their way into a club thanks to Brown’s exceptional ability to speak French. There’s cavorting, banter, and mild reflection on how cultures shift abroad. There’s also a stiffness to these moments where it feels like the director is trying to be so respectful of servicemen that it almost makes them seem boring when they’re off duty. Perhaps they were, but if that is the case, including these many milquetoast moments in a film running well over two hours feels lacking.

Devotion is a fine war drama that pays excellent tribute to an authentic and unique NAVY story. It entertains well enough, and the performances by Majors and Powell carry this picture entirely. Their chemistry is compelling that it’s easy to become invested in their friendship. The picture is also well-assembled for its technical expertise in recapturing the intensity of Korean War air combat. Just don’t expect more than the standard trappings of this genre.