Clint Eastwood's 2016 biographical drama film Sully, starring Tom Hanks, is available for streaming on Netflix following the director's retirement from filmmaking. Eastwood announced his retirement from the movie industry in June after completing his final feature, Juror No. 2, concluding a career that spanned more than seven decades.
The hour-and-a-half film recreates the dramatic events of January 15, 2009, when commercial pilot Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger executed an emergency landing on the Hudson River. All 155 passengers and crew members on board the Airbus A320 survived after a flock of geese struck the aircraft's engines, causing a total loss of power.
Eastwood is an acclaimed American director and actor renowned for his contributions to cinema, while Hanks is an Academy Award-winning actor who plays the titular role. Netflix is a global streaming provider that offers subscriber access to catalog movies and television series.
Emergency landing on the Hudson River
The bird strike left the airliner without engine thrust over New York, forcing Sullenberger into a critical situation that required immediate action. His swift response led to a successful water landing on the river, making international headlines and turning the pilot into a national hero.
Beyond the miraculous survival of everyone on board, the movie focuses on the intense emotional and professional aftermath for the pilot. Aviation authorities launched formal investigations to examine whether Sullenberger had made the correct decision by landing in the river rather than attempting to reach an airfield runway.
Investigating a national hero
The post-accident scrutiny forced Sullenberger to defend his choices, questioning his actions despite the successful outcome. Eastwood and Hanks depict the pilot's dilemma as he faced intense questioning from the authorities responsible for evaluating the safety of the flight.
That narrative portrayal attracted criticism from some commentators who felt the film presented aviation authorities in an unsupportive light. However, the story highlights Eastwood's ongoing interest in modern heroism and the institutional forces that interrogate heroic figures instead of honoring them.
For Hanks, taking on the role presented a complex challenge that consolidated his standing in the film industry. His performance portrays the tension experienced by a captain torn between his professional duty and the pressure of public opinion.
Streaming availability on Netflix
Sully achieved commercial success at the box office during its initial release in 2016. Although it is now considered a somewhat forgotten work in Eastwood's filmography, the movie remains accessible for viewers to rediscover on Netflix.
