Greyhound (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Greyhound is a 2020 action drama directed by Aaron Schneider, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Krause, Maximilian Osinski and Elisabeth Shue. It is partly based on Greyhound by C. S. Forester. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes and was made on a reported $50.3 million budget. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Director
- Aaron Schneider
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Apple TV+
- Budget
- $50.3M
- Based on
- Greyhound by C. S. Forester
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Greyhound About?
The premise of Greyhound without spoilers, adapted from Greyhound by C. S. Forester. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
During World War II, Commander Ernest Krause leads a U.S. Navy destroyer escorting a critical convoy across the Atlantic. Hunted by skilled German U-boat commanders, he must navigate treacherous waters and face relentless attacks. Krause's leadership and inexperience are tested in a desperate battle, representing the longest and most complex naval engagement of the war: the Battle of the Atlantic.
Greyhound Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- u boat
- naval convoy
- battle of the atlantic
- u.s. navy
- north atlantic
- 1940s
- convoy
- depth charge
- naval uniform
- naval warfare
- world war two
- war at sea
+38 more Show fewer
- u boat wolf pack
- naval escort
- anti submarine warfare
- submarine sunk
- ship explosion
- torpedo
- torpedoed ship
- propaganda
- warsploitation
- male sailor
- submarine attack
- torpedo hit
- based on true story
- ship sinking
- cold water
- toy ship
- the black pit
- declining a marriage proposal
- air cover
- freighter
- signal light
- convoy hx 25
- troop ship
- destroyer escort
- frigate
- general quarters
- repeating a message
- bosun's whistle
- life vest
- binoculars
- intercept course
- sneeze
- ice build up
- radar
- near miss
- oil tanker
- decoy
- sonar
Greyhound Cast & Characters
Tom Hanks leads the cast as Captain Krause, with Maximilian Osinski as Eagle and Elisabeth Shue as Evelyn. Directed by Aaron Schneider; 25 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Aaron Schneider
-
Tom Hanks as Captain Krause - Maximilian Osinski as Eagle
-
Elisabeth Shue as Evelyn -
Stephen Graham as Charlie Cole
Also Starring in Greyhound
· 21 more- Rob Morgan Cleveland
- Karl Glusman
- Tom Brittney Lt. Watson
- Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
- Matthew Zuk Flusser
- David Maldonado
- Devin Druid
- Dave Randolph-Mayhem Davis
- Joseph Poliquin Lee Helmsman #1
- Michael Benz Carling
- Craig Tate Pitts
- Grayson Russell Signalman #1
- Travis Quentin Ipsen
- Jimi Stanton
- Lee Norris
- Trinity L Beals
Show all 25 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Alex Kramer
- Jeff Burkes Shannon
- Matt Helm Lt. Nystrom
- Adam Aalderks
- Jake Ventimiglia
More from Aaron Schneider
More films directed by Aaron Schneider, best-rated first: Get Low and Two Soldiers.
Greyhound Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Greyhound 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).
Greyhound Echo Score Breakdown
The film delivers a tense maritime drama driven by disciplined direction and crisp pacing. While the streamlined narrative sustains engagement through taut set pieces and evocative visuals, the character dimension remains somewhat constrained despite Hanks’ solid portrayal. The production maintains a cohesive visual and audio palette, reinforcing the immersive ambience. Though rewatch appeal may vary with the modest scope and predictability, the film stands as a commendable example of economical storytelling that blends suspense with understated craftsmanship.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 82
In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction and cinematography establish a disciplined visual rhythm supported by measured editing and credible production design. Reviewers highlighted precise framing of submarine interiors and clear staging of action sequences, though occasional camera movement felt slightly abrupt. The cohesive palette and subtle injection of detail sustain immersion throughout. Overall, the craft elevates the modest scope into a visually engaging experience.
- Character & Emotion 70
When it comes to character and emotion, Tom Hanks’ performance anchors the narrative with measured resolve and nuanced facial expression. Critics praised his portrayal of leadership under strain, though several highlighted limited emotional depth across secondary roles. The introspective focus on burden and duty generates a subdued resonance but leaves interpersonal chemistry and deeper backstories underexplored. Ultimately, the acting strengthens the film even as character complexity remains restrained.
- Story & Flow 75
In terms of story and flow, the narrative unfolds through economical plotting and steady tension across tightly staged engagements. Reviewers noted the brisk pacing and effective action sequences, though some found the simplicity of the plot and predictability of survival diminished suspense. The concise runtime sustains engagement with few lulls, while the limited thematic scope tempers its originality, resulting in a well-crafted but straightforward wartime drama.
- Sensory Experience 85
When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s soundtrack and sound design reinforce the claustrophobic tension through judicious musical cues and effective audio mixing. Multiple reviewers praised the crispness of explosions and ambient sonar pings, though some noted occasional imbalance in the mix. Visually, the muted color palette and clear visual effects create a cohesive style that heightens immersion. Overall, the audio-visual cohesion substantiates the film’s atmospheric impact.
- Rewatch Factor 65
For rewatch factor, the film’s taut construction and focused tension offer a consistent viewing experience, supported by polished action sequences and reliable technical execution. While the economical runtime and immersive detail may reward repeat observation of staging and small beats, the predictable outcome and limited narrative scope reduce the impetus for multiple viewings. Ultimately, rewatch appeal hinges on appreciation of craftsmanship rather than surprise elements.
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IMDb 7.0 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 78% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 76%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 64 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 74% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.2 /5
105 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
Greyhound Plot Summary
What happens in Greyhound from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In February 1942, amid the intense Battle of the Atlantic, convoy HX-25 sets sail towards Liverpool, comprising 37 Allied ships. Leading the charge is the USS Keeling DD-548, known by its radio call sign “Greyhound”, under the command of Commander Ernest Krause (Tom Hanks), a member of the United States Navy. He commands alongside several escorts including the British HMS James (co-captained by Dominic Keating), the Polish ORP Viktor (commanded by Maximilian Osinski), and the Canadian HMCS Dodge K136.
Despite his extensive naval training, this marks Krause’s inaugural command during wartime. Just two months prior, he was romantically involved with Evelyn Frechette (Elisabeth Shue) in New York City, exchanging heartfelt Christmas gifts while discussing their future together.
Full summary
The whole story of Greyhound, scene by scene
Greyhound Awards & Nominations
Greyhound was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 4 nominations come from 3 ceremonies, the most at the BAFTA 2021.
4 nominations3 ceremonies
-
BAFTA 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Best Sound
- Nominated Best Special Visual Effects
-
Critics' Choice 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Best Visual Effects
-
Oscars 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Sound
Greyhound Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Trailer
- Behind the Scenes Inside Look: Battle of the Atlantic
How Well Do You Know Greyhound?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who plays the role of Commander Ernest Krause?
Greyhound Also Known As
31 alternative titles, including “Грейхаунд: Битва за Атлантику” and “Mūšis dėl Atlanto”.
- Also known as
-
- Грейхаунд: Битва за Атлантику
- Mūšis dėl Atlanto
- Greyhound - Na Mira do Inimigo
- USS Greyhound - La Bataille de l'Atlantique
- Misja Greyhound
- Greyhound: Enemigos bajo el mar
- 그레이하운드
- เกรย์ฮาวด์
- Мисия "Грейхаунд"
- '그레이하운드' - Greyhound
- Greyhound - Schlacht im Atlantik
- Greyhound: Bitva o Atlantik
+19 more Show fewer
- Greyhound: Bitka o Atlantik
- Грейхаунд
- A Greyhound csatahajó
- 怒海戰艦, მწევარი
- 灰猎犬号
- Greyhound: Η Μάχη του Ατλαντικού
- Greyhound en la mira del enemigo
- Missão Greyhound
- Greyhound: il nemico invisibile
- Chiến Hạm Thủ Lĩnh - Greyhound
- „Greyhound“: Mūšis dėl Atlanto
- USS Greyhound
- 雷霆戰艦:獵犬號
- Мисија Грејхаунд
- سگ تازی
- グレイハウンド
- Greyhound: Bătălie în Atlantic
- ग्रेहाउंड
- Battleship Greyhound
Seen Greyhound?
Movies Like Greyhound
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Greyhound Attack, Convoy and Atlantic Convoy.
Greyhound FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Greyhound, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Greyhound?
Greyhound runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).
When was Greyhound released?
Greyhound was released on July 10, 2020.
Who directed Greyhound?
Greyhound was directed by Aaron Schneider.
More films by Aaron Schneider Who is in the cast of Greyhound?
Greyhound stars Tom Hanks as Captain Krause, Maximilian Osinski as Eagle and Elisabeth Shue as Evelyn, among 25 credited actors.
What was the budget of Greyhound?
Greyhound had a reported budget of $50.3 million.
How is Greyhound rated?
Greyhound has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.
Is Greyhound based on a book?
Yes. Greyhound is partly adapted from Greyhound by C. S. Forester.
Was Greyhound nominated for any awards?
Greyhound received 4 nominations across 3 ceremonies.
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