“Devotion” Review

Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell star in “Devotion” as two outstanding Naval Aviators during the Korean War who become close friends.

This year’s Thanksgiving weekend was one of the worst for movie box office returns. So many good films were released and didn’t make a lot of money, including “Devotion.” While it’s status as a box office bomb might be concerning, “Devotion” is an incredible war film that is propelled by its powerful performances and grand action.

Set in 1950, the film chronicles the friendship between two of the Navy’s finest pilots: Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner (Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell). Despite different backgrounds, the pair become more than just wingmen and form a close bond that is tested by their fellow soldiers and the different attitudes they have to the job. When the Korean War breaks out and a group of Marines find themselves trapped and surrounded by Chinese and North Korean soldiers, Brown, Hudner and their fellow aviators go on a risky mission that tests their courage.

After his starring roles in “Da 5 Bloods” and “Lovecraft Country,” Jonathan Majors has become a massively successful actor with upcoming roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and “Creed III.” In “Devotion,” Majors has taken on his best role as a pilot who’s taking on a lot of weight. Not only does he have to deal with the stress of the job and provide for his family, Jesse also has to contend with the racism that permeates the armed forces. 

One of the most powerful scenes in the film sees Jesse looking directly into the mirror and saying all of the hateful things that have been thrown at him over the years. Director J. D. Dillard sets up the shot showing Majors looking directly into the camera, fighting back tears as he prepares himself for a day of flying. It’s this scene in particular that shows off Majors’ talent as an actor and makes me excited for his upcoming projects. 

Joining Jesse for the ride is Tom Hudner who’s exceptionally portrayed by Glen Powell. Ever since his role in 2016’s “Everybody Wants Some!!,” I have been rooting for this guy to get wider recognition and 2022 was essentially that year. Not only was Powell charming and charismatic as the egotistical Hangman in “Top Gun: Maverick,” but he also got to show his dramatic chops in “Devotion.” The friendship that Brown and Hudner share is endearing with Majors and Powell having great chemistry.

Christina Jackson and Jonathan Majors’ chemistry show that “Devotion” is more than a standard action film. There’s a real sense of weight to all of the characters’ actions.

What makes “Devotion” so interesting is how much focus is on the training of these men and the home life of Jesse. Not only are these scenes integral to the story, showing what Brown and Hudner are fighting for, but they also are entertaining. For me, the key to a good war film isn’t the action or the amount of violence, it’s showing the humanity behind these soldiers. In particular, Christina Jackson is fantastic as Daisy, Jesse’s wife, who not only supports her husband but also helps bridge the friendship with Jesse and Tom. 

The rest of the supporting cast is a lot of fun as many of Jesse and Tom’s fellow aviators are pretty enjoyable. While their screen time isn’t as essential to the story, they make Tom and Jesse’s journey all the more entertaining and, when something happens to one of them, you find yourself emotionally affected. 

Inevitably, “Devotion” is going to be compared to “Top Gun: Maverick.” Not only because both films are about Navy pilots and star Glen Powell, but because the action was incredibly riveting with Kevin LaRosa, an aerial stunt coordinator, creating the flight sequences for both films. By utilizing real planes and shooting action scenes with the actors in the cockpit of a flying aircraft, there’s a sense of realism that makes the flights more intense and more satisfying. 

While “Top Gun: Maverick” is a lot of fun, you understand that it’s a fictional story. “Devotion” is based on real events which gives them a bit more weight. The depiction of this conflict is all the more inspirational since The Korean War is commonly known as “America’s Forgotten War” with very few cinematic depictions. 

With strong characters and a sensitive depiction of the lives of soldiers, “Devotion” was an excellent war film that showcased the talents of two actors that I’m glad are getting wider recognition.