The Wall (2017)

"The Wall" plunges viewers into the desolate landscape of Iraq, where American sniper Sergeant Shane Matthews and his spotter, Sergeant Gabe Cole, find themselves trapped in a high-stakes duel. Under the relentless desert sun, they become the target of a shadowy Iraqi insurgent, whose presence is only hinted at through chilling gunfire and a disembodied voice over the radio. This isn't a sprawling war epic, but a claustrophobic, psychological thriller that distills the inherent tension of warfare into an agonizing game of wits and survival, where every rustle of sand could be their last. Doug Liman’s masterful direction shines in "The Wall," a film that showcases his talent for crafting intense, character-driven thrillers with minimal elements. He expertly utilizes the confined space to amplify the mounting dread and showcases his signature ability to create palpable suspense and explore the mental toll of modern warfare. Liman’s skill in drawing out nuanced performances from his lead actors, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and John Cena, while maintaining a relentlessly gripping pace, solidifies "The Wall" as a standout entry in his filmography and a prime example of why he's celebrated for his gripping, intelligent action cinema.