Is The Patrol Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Patrol is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Patrol Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, The Patrol emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Afghanistan, 2006, Helmand Province becomes one of the most dangerous places on Earth as the British Army is deployed into the Taliban heartland. Unlike standard genre fare, The Patrol attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Tom Petch, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Patrol features a noteworthy lineup led by Owain Arthur. Supported by the likes of Nicholas Beveney and Daniel Fraser, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Owain Arthur, Nicholas Beveney, Daniel Fraser manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2013 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama, War space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Patrol is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Patrol follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 85 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Patrol resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 4.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Patrol is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Afghanistan, 2006, Helmand Province becomes one of the most dangerous places on Earth as the British Army is deployed into the Taliban heartland. The Operation, Herrick, became synonymous with the struggle as British troops fought a losing battle against this unseen enemy.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Patrol (2013) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 4.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama, War categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Owain Arthur, Nicholas Beveney, Daniel Fraser or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Patrol is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2013. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The Patrol Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Patrol Budget
The estimated production budget for The Patrol is $1M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Patrol Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Patrol is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Patrol stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Patrol movie hit or flop?
The Patrol is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.3/10 and lower collections.
Is The Patrol worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.3/10, The Patrol may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Patrol online?
The Patrol is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Afghanistan, 2006, Helmand Province becomes one of the most dangerous places on Earth as the British Army is deployed into the Taliban heartland. The Operation, Herrick, became synonymous with the struggle as British troops fought a losing battle against this unseen enemy.