After Minesweepers, Zero Dark Thirty and most recently Detroit, here is a new feature film from Kathryn Bigelow. Did House of Dynamite convince its first viewers? His new film achieved a good press average of 3.8 out of 5 (out of 17 titles). Internet users give it an average rating of 3 out of 5, thanks to 496 people* who have rated it so far (including 96 online reviews).
The pitch: One day, without warning, the radars at the Fort Greeley military base in Alaska go into a panic. A nuclear missile of unknown origin has been fired and is heading straight for American territory. The President and his entourage must take advantage of the little time they have left to try to get the missile down to Chicago.
“unbearable suspension”
Netizens generally appreciated the film’s palpable tension and (very) intense dramatic sequences. Many of the comments also mention the actors’ performances as being considered outstanding.
(Nicolas Tissier / 5 of 5): “Unbearable suspense, intense drama, great acting. The awareness is relentless. A huge slap in the face!”
(Jiannie F 4 of 5): “A very good film, intense and well paced. Kathryn Bigelow handles her subject perfectly. Deserves a 24h Chrono season for her intensity.”
Find all viewer reviews on AlloCiné
(rais nsinabau / 4.5 out of 5): “1) Screenplay: in 3 interwoven acts, with as many predecessor titles, sometimes cringeworthy dialogues, revealing flaws, protocols, illusion of control… 2) Interpretations: Idris Elba, between fear and charisma; Jared Harris, the best James Moriarty, on the edge, fantastic camera, 4 great services… 3) Shooting in the faces, magnificent…”
(Vader Mir / 3.5 out of 5) “Katherine Bigelow strikes again! Nervous direction and editing, lots of suspense, actors disappearing behind stakes, realism. Kind of a modern and serious ‘Doctor Strangelove.’
Lack of emotion?
In the negative points pointed out by some internet users, the director is criticized for a “lack of objectivity” and for a story that is certainly interesting in its construction, but which “lacked emotion”.
(John K. / 2 of 5): “Katherine Bigelow has created an ambitious thriller told from three perspectives – political, military and civilian. The idea is brilliant on paper, but the result lacks impact: the tension is dissipated, the emotions are reduced. Despite flawless direction and a solid cast, the film remains cold, intellectual, almost clinical. We never expect a prognosis.
(stanley.k / 2 of 5): “Bigelow doesn’t get wet, revealing three different points of view… The stylistic exercise is rather disturbingly empty given that for all three points of view he is content to stick to the same terminology of time, which releases all suspense and which ultimately leaves the viewer with an open ending that might be attractive if his process were not abstruse.
(Django / 1.5 out of 5): “A rather long and boring film based on emergency protocol in the event of a missile attack. We jump from one character to another, from one procedure to another, the characters merge quickly with a very relative suspension of interest”
House of Dynamite is available on Netflix.
* Average taken from ratings and reviews seen on AlloCiné as of Monday, October 27, 2025.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
