The first directorial effort from actor Ralph Fiennes updates one of Shakespeare’s lesser- known Roman political tragedies, setting the action in a modern state resembling Iraq in the throes of war. Fiennes stars as a vicious war hero who finds himself ill-equipped for the political realm after a military victory earns him a berth in office. Fiennes’ debut feature confirms him as a talent behind the lens, eliciting breathtaking performances from his supporting cast (including Vanessa Redgrave and Jessica Chastain), who lend an urgency to the play’s literary language that fits seamlessly into the gritty, contemporary aesthetic. Aided by superb production design, a gripping pace and thrilling cinematography by “The Hurt Locker” lenser Barry Ackroyd, this tightly-plotted action thriller offers a timeless exploration of the internal workings of a country at war.