The Peacemaker (1997)

The Peacemaker is the kind of ’90s thriller that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go, marrying geopolitical dread to clean, muscular filmmaking that knows exactly when to sprint and when to tighten the screws. Mimi Leder directs with a propulsive confidence—set pieces feel urgent rather than ornamental—and she keeps the story grounded by letting the human stakes simmer beneath the spectacle. George Clooney brings cool, capable presence as the soldier, Nicole Kidman matches him with sharp intelligence as the nuclear expert, and their push-pull dynamic gives the chase real spark instead of just noise. It’s not a subtle film and it doesn’t shy away from violence or big, scary subject matter, but if you want an efficient, high-energy action thriller with real momentum and a terrific late-game payoff, this one delivers.

The Peacemaker is aiming for a ripped-from-the-headlines nuclear-terror thriller with big stakes, globe-trotting momentum, and a serious post–Cold War mood. It mostly delivers slick late-’90s studio craftsmanship and a strong central pairing—Clooney’s confident operator energy plays well off Kidman’s earnest intensity—plus a few genuinely tense set pieces. The problem is the story often feels like it’s running on autopilot: familiar twists, standard-issue chases, and a script that stretches its runtime without adding much surprise or depth. If you want a fresh, morally thorny thriller, this will likely feel generic; if you’re happy with a competent, star-driven action ride and can forgive the clichés, it’s an easy enough watch.