1917

In April 1917, amidst the chaos of World War I, Lance Corporals Will Schofield and Tom Blake meet with General Erinmore. They receive a critical mission to deliver an urgent message to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, calling off a planned attack against the Germans, who have devised a trap.

Despite the uncertainty around the mission, Blake’s urgency to save his brother drives them to depart immediately rather than wait for darkness. The two soldiers leave a trench commanded by Lieutenant Leslie, embarking on their perilous journey across No Man's Land.

As they navigate through the treacherous terrain, Schofield sustains an injury to his left hand while maneuvering through barbed wire. This injury serves as an early indication of the dangers that lie ahead on their mission.

The soldiers explore abandoned German trenches and unknowingly trigger a trap. An explosion nearly takes Schofield's life but Blake acts swiftly to save him, showcasing the camaraderie and urgency of their mission.

While taking refuge in a deserted farmhouse, Schofield and Blake discover a downed German pilot trapped in the wreckage. They attempt to be humane in the midst of war, but tragedy strikes when the pilot fatally stabs Blake.

In the aftermath of the violent encounter, Schofield comforts the dying Blake, who urges him to complete the mission. Schofield promises to inform Blake’s mother of his bravery, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by soldiers.

Schofield encounters a British unit led by Captain Smith, who warns him about the relentless nature of Colonel Mackenzie’s orders. This moment underscores the urgency of delivering the message amidst the imminent attack.

As Schofield continues on, a shattered canal bridge near Ecoust-Saint-Mein obstructs his path. Alone and faced with further challenges, he must navigate through a war-torn landscape that constantly tests his resolve.

Schofield finds himself under fire from a hidden sniper, leading to a tense standoff. The encounter leaves him unconscious after being hit in the helmet, demonstrating the constant peril of war.

Upon awakening at night, Schofield meets a French woman with a baby who offers assistance. Although she tries to help him, Schofield realizes that he cannot delay further, showing his determination to fulfill the mission.

In a critical moment, Schofield kills a German soldier in self-defense and narrowly escapes by leaping into a river. This harrowing escape reinforces the reality of his fight for survival amid the turmoil of war.

With dawn approaching, Schofield finally arrives at the 2nd Battalion's location, only to find the attack has already commenced. Frantically, he searches for Colonel Mackenzie to deliver the urgent message that could save lives.

Amidst the chaos of battle, Schofield pushes through soldiers to reach Colonel Mackenzie. He finally delivers the message, which leads Mackenzie to reluctantly call off the assault, averting a potential massacre.

After the battle, Schofield locates Joseph Blake and delivers the devastating news of Tom's death. He hands over Blake's rings and dog tags, deepening the emotional weight of their sacrifice.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, Schofield rests under a tree, contemplating the profound message on a photograph. The words remind him of the personal stakes in war, reflecting on the lives lost and the hope of returning home.