Summary
The Current War (2017) is a historical drama by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon that dramatizes the vigorous competition between Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) and George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) in the late 19th century, the "War of Currents." The film concerns the battle to determine which electrical system—Edison's direct current (DC) or Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla's (Nicholas Hoult) alternating current (AC)—would become the standard for electrifying America. Edison, the determined champion of DC, resorts to desperate tactics, even a publicity war to demonize AC by identification with electric chair safety issues. Westinghouse, supported by the visionary spirit of Tesla, supports a more efficient and scalable AC system, and thus the battle is ripe for a war of egos, ideologies, and technological progress.
The film also builds the personal and ethical dilemmas of these inventors as they negotiate ambition, rivalry, and the social implications of their work. Edison's intransigence and willingness to manipulate public opinion are set against Westinghouse's more pragmatic and progressive approach. The movie looks at the human cost of progress, building the tensions faced by these pioneers and the sacrifices that were undertaken in the name of innovation. The story culminates at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Westinghouse's AC system is chosen to electrify the fair, a watershed moment in the war and establish AC as the dominant electrical system.
The Current War is not just a tale of technological rivalry but also a reflection on the nature of progress and the complexities of human ambition. With its ensemble cast, including Tom Holland as Samuel Insull, Edison's loyal assistant, the film is a visually gorgeous and reflective retelling of a pivotal moment in history that shaped the modern world. While it takes some liberties with history, it captures the spirit of the age and the vast impact of these inventors' work on science and industry.
Official Trailer
The film also builds the personal and ethical dilemmas of these inventors as they negotiate ambition, rivalry, and the social implications of their work. Edison's intransigence and willingness to manipulate public opinion are set against Westinghouse's more pragmatic and progressive approach. The movie looks at the human cost of progress, building the tensions faced by these pioneers and the sacrifices that were undertaken in the name of innovation. The story culminates at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Westinghouse's AC system is chosen to electrify the fair, a watershed moment in the war and establish AC as the dominant electrical system.
The Current War is not just a tale of technological rivalry but also a reflection on the nature of progress and the complexities of human ambition. With its ensemble cast, including Tom Holland as Samuel Insull, Edison's loyal assistant, the film is a visually gorgeous and reflective retelling of a pivotal moment in history that shaped the modern world. While it takes some liberties with history, it captures the spirit of the age and the vast impact of these inventors' work on science and industry.
Official Trailer
