Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Action drama

Greyhound (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Greyhound (2020) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
award nominations
4
Echo Score
75
Loading streaming availability…
Greyhound (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m (91 min)
Director
Aaron Schneider
Genres
Action , Drama , History , War
Original language
English
Budget
$50.3M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

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.

From the director

More from Aaron Schneider

More films directed by Aaron Schneider, best-rated first: Get Low and Two Soldiers.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

75 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Awards

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

Videos

Greyhound Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Official Trailer
  • Trailer Trailer
  • Behind the Scenes Inside Look: Battle of the Atlantic
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of Commander Ernest Krause?

Details

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
  • 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?

FAQ

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.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app