Thescreescore – A gripping, nearly three-hour political drama starring Chris Pratt has unexpectedly surged across digital platforms, demonstrating the enduring power of fact-based thrillers. While Chris Pratt is widely celebrated for his charismatic turns in blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, and his beloved comedic role in Parks and Recreation, his involvement in more serious, military-themed projects also consistently captures audience attention. Beyond the upcoming second season of Prime Video’s The Terminal List, another of Pratt’s compelling military-adjacent films is currently experiencing a remarkable resurgence in viewership.
The film in question is Kathryn Bigelow’s critically acclaimed 2012 political thriller, Zero Dark Thirty. This cinematic endeavor meticulously chronicles the relentless, decade-long pursuit of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden following the devastating September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The narrative unfolds through the intricate perspectives of various agencies, primarily focusing on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the United States Navy. Within this intense drama, Pratt delivers a compelling performance as Justin Lenihan, a pivotal SEAL Team Six operator whose contributions become integral to the hunt. Upon its initial release, Zero Dark Thirty garnered widespread critical praise, securing five Academy Award nominations for its unflinching portrayal of a complex historical event.
Recent analytics from September 14, 2026, reveal Zero Dark Thirty‘s significant digital triumph. The political thriller has climbed to the fourth position on Apple TV’s U.S. Top 10 list, a notable ascent from its tenth-place standing just a day prior. This spike in viewership appears intrinsically linked to the recent 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, prompting audiences to revisit this powerful cinematic account.
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Bigelow’s meticulous direction interweaves the strategic insights of intelligence operations with the tactical realities of military action. The film features standout performances from Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke as leading CIA operatives, alongside a formidable ensemble portraying SEAL Team Six members, including Joel Edgerton, Mike Colter, Frank Grillo, and Pratt himself. The narrative expertly depicts how these disparate teams collaborated to locate and ultimately neutralize bin Laden, culminating in the dramatic recreation of the operation itself. However, Zero Dark Thirty‘s journey from critical darling to box office success was inextricably linked with significant controversy.
The film, which grossed $132.8 million against a reported budget of $52.5 million, faced vehement accusations of endorsing torture tactics. Prominent figures, including the late Senator John McCain – a survivor of torture during the Vietnam War – were among those who criticized its depictions of enhanced interrogation techniques. Further scrutiny arose regarding the Obama Administration’s alleged granting of improper access to classified intelligence for director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal. Additionally, the film drew criticism for its use of audio recordings from 9/11 victims without explicit consent from their surviving families, sparking a wider ethical debate.
These profound ethical discussions have cemented Zero Dark Thirty‘s status as a deeply polarizing, yet undeniably impactful, cinematic work. Despite the enduring complexities surrounding its subject matter and production, its current robust streaming performance underscores a persistent public fascination, particularly in the wake of the attacks’ quarter-century mark. Pratt’s compelling involvement, coupled with Bigelow’s unflinching directorial vision, ensures Zero Dark Thirty continues to provoke thought and discussion, solidifying its place as a significant, albeit contentious, piece of modern cinema on thescreescore.com.
Film Details
- Release Date: December 19, 2012
- Running Time: 157 minutes
- Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
- Written by: Mark Boal
- Produced by: Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Megan Ellison
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