“The action is tense and Hazeldine unearths a compelling hero.” Andy Lea, Daily Express
“A fascinating Great War side story and a gritty central turn from Sam Hazeldine” The Times
“Emotionally gripping and thrillingly tense” VODzilla.co
“WWI as you've never seen it before” Roobla
“A different and terrifying perspective on the trenches.” Film Stories

Vertigo Releasing has announced the acquisition of First World War drama THE WAR BELOW, based on the story of the tunnellers who dug underneath no-man’s land. The film will be released in cinemas and on digital platforms in the UK and Ireland on 10th September 2021.

The Dig meets Saving Private Ryan in writer/director J.P. Watts’ debut feature, about a maverick plan to defeat the German army during the Battle of Messines in 1917. The film stars Sam Hazeldine (Peaky Blinders) as William Hawkins, the miner desperate to join the army who, after being turned down at the recruitment office, gets the chance to serve his country in an unexpected way.

The supporting cast includes Tom Goodman-Hill (The Imitation Game) as “Hellfire Jack,” the colonel who proposes the dramatic plan to turn the tables on the enemy, and Kris Hitchen (Sorry We Missed You), Elliot James Langridge (Northern Soul) and Sam Clemmett (Endeavour) as the four men who accompany Hawkins on his audacious mission.

THE WAR BELOW is a gripping, gruelling and triumphantly stirring story about loyalty, bravery and brotherhood. If you enjoyed 1917,The Imitation Game and Dunkirk, be sure to watch THE WAR BELOW.

Will Knochel, Chris Lemos and Luis Guerrero of Vital Pictures produced THE WAR BELOW.

Synopsis: During World War 1, a group of British miners are recruited to tunnel underneath no man's land and set bombs from below the German front in hopes of breaking the deadly stalemate of the Battle of Messines.

ABOUT VERTIGO RELEASING
Vertigo Releasing is committed to discovering and championing the most important part of film: the talent. Our releases have grossed over $100 million at the box office. We have won multiple awards for our innovative campaigns for quality independent films such as Sound of Metal (2 x BAFTA and Academy Award® winner), Black Bear, The Assistant, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Child’s Play, Death Wish, Mrs Lowry & Son, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Springbreakers, Horrid Henry, Streetdance, Bronson, Top Cat the Movie, The Time of Their Lives and Monsters. Upcoming titles include Prano Bailey-Bond’s Censor, Riders of Justice starring Mads Mikkelsen, and Joyride starring Olivia Colman.