Russia Tests Nuclear-Powered Missile Amid US Nuclear Crisis Film Release

Kathryn Bigelow's new film "A House of Dynamite" depicts a tense nuclear crisis involving a missile heading toward the United States, sparking urgent government responses and raising questions about the plausibility of such an event. Experts and official sources highlight that while the film presents a dramatic scenario, real-world missile detection systems, including U.S. satellites, would likely identify a launch within seconds, and missile defense systems have demonstrated high accuracy in tests. The film's portrayal of a 50% success rate for missile defense contrasts with Pentagon claims of near-perfect intercept records, though critics note the film simplifies the threat by focusing on a single missile rather than multiple warheads or decoys. The film's release coincided with Russia's successful test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a development that has intensified geopolitical tensions and discussions about nuclear deterrence and escalation. These real-world events have sparked dialogue on how fictional portrayals of nuclear crises reflect or diverge from actual defense capabilities and strategic considerations. Overall, while "A House of Dynamite" intensifies awareness of nuclear threat scenarios, experts emphasize the robustness of current U.S. detection and defense systems, even as global nuclear dynamics remain complex and evolving.