We often take weather forecasters for granted. It’s a tough job, especially in dynamic climates. There are plenty of jokes about forecasts, and forecasters, that don’t get it right. But knowing the weather can be crucial.

The new film Pressure, which had preview screenings on Memorial Day and opens wide on Friday, is a historical drama about possibly the most important forecast in history. It follows the chief meteorologist for the Allies during the run up to the invasion of Normandy. It’s a great look behind the scenes at the biggest moment of World War II.

The film follows James Stagg (Andrew Scott). He’s a Captain in the British military, and at the request of Winston Churchill he’s just been assigned to allied command. At home, he has a pregnant wife who is due any day, making it a tense time to be away from home. But he reports to headquarters and quickly discovers that he’s come at a crucial moment.

It’s Friday afternoon, and the invasion of Normandy—D-Day—is set for Monday morning. He’s there to verify the forecast for Allied Commander Dwight Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser), and he doesn’t have much time to nail it. Making things more challenging is an American officer, Irving Krick (Chris Messina), who has a history with Eisenhower and nailing forecasts in relatively calm environments.

But in Northern Europe, things can change quickly. As Stagg dives into the data, his approach rankles his colleagues, especially Krick. When he clashes in his view of the forecast, it forces a showdown between the men, and puts Eisenhower in a difficult position when determining the invasion that will change the war.

This is a fascinating film. D-Day, even all these decades later, remains a crucial point in history. We’ve seen many films about World War II, but none that looked at the crucial meteorological moments that led to making the decision to invade on June 6, 1944. In fact, that wasn’t even the original date. It was originally set for June 5, and it was thanks to Stagg’s work and persuasion that the invasion fleet didn’t sail into a massive storm.

The film is based on the stage play from David Haig, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Anthony Maras. They have a great feel for the material and for building the drama and tension in a story that—for the most part—takes place in rooms where men are arguing their points.

This is a strong cast. In addition to the leads, the film features Damien Lewis and Kerry Condon, among others. Messina does a nice job as Krick, bringing depth to what could have been a one-dimensional part. And I enjoyed Fraser as Eisenhower. He brings depth and intensity to the part and plays it well.

But this film soars behind the wings of Scott. He’s a great, quiet lead in the film. He brings a quiet intensity to the role and plays a variety of emotional sequences. You’re invested in Stagg and his journey, which is crucial to making this work.

This is a unique and engaging look at the work that went into D-Day. It also includes a recreation of the invasion itself which remains quite stirring. I was deeply moved and entertained by the film. It’s one of my favorites of the year so far.

Pressure opens nationwide on Friday, May 29.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.