Wednesday September 9th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
James Stagg was raised in Dalkeith and educated at the old Dalkeith High School in Croft Street and was awarded Dux of School in 1914-15 at the age of 15. The film, PRESSURE, about his part in the D-Day landings can be seen in UK cinemas from today.
On June 6th 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Little did anyone know, just hours before D-Day began, one critical decision would determine the fate of the mission and alter the course of World War II. Captivating film audiences around the world and earning Certified Fresh and Verified Hot designations on Rotten Tomatoes.
Featuring intense performances from Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser (The Whale) and Emmy® nominee Andrew Scott (“Ripley”), PRESSURE plunges into the real-life stakes faced by the U.S. military and its allies in the lead-up to D-Day. Set over a critical 72-hour window, the film follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Fraser) and meteorologist Group Captain James Stagg (Scott) as they confront an impossible decision: proceed with the largest seaborne invasion in history or risk jeopardizing the outcome of World War II.
Directed by Anthony Maras (Hotel Mumbai) and adapted from David Haig’s play (Pressure), this gripping drama explores the immense moral weight and the burden of leadership at one of history’s most consequential turning points. The film is further elevated by a standout supporting cast, including Academy Award® nominee Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin), Emmy® winner Damian Lewis (“Homeland”), and Chris Messina (Argo), alongside behind-the-scenes featurettes that delve into both the filmmaking process and the true story behind that fateful moment.
Watch the official trailer below.
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