Whiskey Tango Foxtrot ****

This is one of those films where the trailer tries to ‘humourise’ a serious subject, blatantly using the comedic reputation of its star, Tina Fey. Naturally and effortlessly funny, Fey has instant kudos to headline a film. However, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot actually has that M*A*S*H irony to it, where the humour is subtle and sardonic, but still with lighter punch lines to lift the mood. In fact, those who have been fortunate enough to see LFF 2015’s black comedy A Perfect Day will immediately get what it’s trying to achieve.

Based on a true story, stuck in a dead-end newsroom role, journalist Kim Baker (Fey) – unmarried and without kids – volunteers to cover the early 2000 Afghanistan war for one of the big American broadcasters. This is the story of the highs and lows of how she builds up her career as a war correspondent on camera and the people she encounters – like fellow photo journalist Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot Robbie), and finding love along the way (played by Martin Freeman).

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is obviously guilty of glossing over some of the ugliness and humdrum moments of being a foreign war correspondent. However, from news agency experience, what it does capture very well is the insanity of the situation; of how the incredible becomes the norm. It’s that bubble of Western society functioning autonomously when the camera is switched off for the day.

Fey is a natural lead choice here, complete with that approachable combination of smart and witty that you can almost imagine the actress herself stepping in the real-life reporting role. In fact, Fey cast opposite Robbie as Vanderpoel highlights the absurdity of the latter’s ‘Hollywood looks’ added to glamorize the seriousness of the situation. However, with a nod to her appearance at the very start of Baker and Vanderpoel’s first meet, Robbie soon wins credibility and establishes herself as a worthy co-star in this.

More curious is Freeman’s turn. As Scottish war photographer and confident ladies man Iain MacKelpie, you’re forever waiting for his slapstick moment to happen. There are always elements of The Office’s Canterbury in his delivery. Not only does Freeman hold down a convincing accent throughout, but he also uses humour to diffuse the dangerous environment his character encounters. It’s fascinating to watch him in this straighter role.

Less convincing is Alfred Molina as local power figure Ali Massoud Sadiq. Although amusing to watch as the scheming and untrustworthy bureaucrat, Molina seems a lazy casting option as yet another semi-villainous type. It perhaps needed a lesser known face to give the sense of Baker being initially out of her depth in the country.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot does have a natural energy and kinesis to it from the ever present danger of something erupting – good or bad. The subject matter makes for great movie matter anyway. With Fey at the helm, you do feel reassured of the journey you take into foreign territory – from a comfortable distance too.

4/5 stars

By @FilmGazer

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