Jeff Daniels delivers a surprisingly competent turn as Ronald Reagan in Angel Studios’ new thriller The Brink of War, which opens Aug. 14.
The movie dramatizes the 1986 Reykjavik Summit, where President Reagan raced against the clock to negotiate a nuclear disarmament pact with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Initial skepticism arose because Daniels, a self‑identified Hollywood leftist, was cast in the role; the author questioned whether he could portray Reagan without bias.
After a private preview arranged by Angel Studios, Daniels’ performance proved stronger than expected, though he did not fully capture Reagan’s distinctive voice, a shortfall noted by observers comparing the turn to Dennis Quaid’s more accurate portrayal in the 2024 Reagan biopic.
Director Michael Russell Gunn grounded the script in declassified summit transcripts and filmed on location at Höfði, the actual summit site in Iceland, spending $6.3 million on rent to secure authenticity, a financial commitment that the production says paid off.
J.K. Simmons appears as Secretary of State George Shultz, earning praise for adding gravitas to every scene, while subplots concerning Nancy Reagan’s absence and delegation tensions provide breathing room without slowing the pacing.
Reviewers have lauded the film for its realistic tension, noting that the dialogue’s weight reflects the genuine stakes of the negotiations rather than manufactured drama.
Overall, The Brink of War is recommended for history enthusiasts, Reagan aficionados, and anyone seeking a high‑stakes political thriller; Angel Studios’ upcoming Milton S. Hershey biopic may attract similar interest.
Film Details
The Brink of War runs 120 minutes and will be released nationwide on Aug. 14.
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