As reported by Variety, Paul Greengrass has officially signed on to direct “Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421.” Assuming everything goes according to plan, the film will be the director’s first feature effort since the Tom Hanks-led 2020 Western “News of the World,” which received four Oscar nominations following its release.
Greengrass is perhaps best known for his contributions to the “Bourne” franchise, having famously directed 2004’s “The Bourne Supremacy,” 2007’s “The Bourne Ultimatum,” and 2016’s “Jason Bourne.” His work on those installments, in which his ability to combine intimate character drama with intense action is on full display, played a huge role in boosting the overall popularity and success of the series as a whole.
The director has also helmed a handful of truly harrowing thrillers, including 2018’s “22 July,” 2013’s “Captain Phillips,” and 2006’s “United 93,” the latter for which he received an Oscar nomination. All three movies boast an unshakable sense of authenticity that just makes the intensity of their real-life stories all the more unbearable at points, so while “Drowning” isn’t based on a true story, Greengrass’ visceral, gritty directorial style should make the stakes of its plot seem real enough for audiences to become invested.
