The Brink of War chronicles the 1986 Reykjavík Summit, during which Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev explored the possibility of major nuclear disarmament. Although no formal agreement was reached, the meeting is widely seen as an important step toward the end of the Cold War.

By the 1980s, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high. Reagan took a firm stance against the Soviet Union while also pursuing arms control, while Gorbachev introduced reforms and sought improved relations with the West. Despite their differences, both leaders recognized the risks posed by nuclear weapons and agreed to meet in Reykjavík for high-level talks.

Over two days, the discussions went further than expected. Reagan and Gorbachev considered deep cuts to their nuclear arsenals and even the possibility of eventually eliminating nuclear weapons altogether. However, the talks broke down, largely due to disagreements over the Strategic Defence Initiative, a proposed U.S. missile defence system that raised concerns about upsetting the balance of power, as well as issues involving verification and enforcement.

Although no agreement was signed, the summit helped build trust between the two leaders and paved the way for future arms control efforts. The following year, the INF Treaty was signed, eliminating an entire class of nuclear missiles and building on the momentum from Reykjavík.

Michael Russell Gunn, the film’s writer and director, spent years researching the story, including interviews with former Secretary of State George Shultz. The film was shot on location in Reykjavík at Höfði House, the site of the original summit, and stars Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan, Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev, and J. K. Simmons as George Shultz. ~Megan Parsons