The Brink of War dramatises the 1986 Reykjavik summit, where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev attempted to negotiate a major nuclear disarmament deal that could have reduced Cold War tensions. The review finds the film earnest, intelligent and well acted, but says its restrained, stage-like approach rarely conveys the urgency expected from a story about preventing nuclear conflict.

Jeff Daniels and Jared Harris are strongest in their direct confrontations as Reagan and Gorbachev, debating human rights, religion and the US Strategic Defense Initiative while struggling with mutual mistrust. Harris is singled out as particularly effective, while the film is described as broadly sympathetic to Reagan and American values; a subplot involving Nancy Reagan and Raisa Gorbacheva adds some humour and political gamesmanship. Shot at the real Reykjavik location, the production recalls a polished 1990s HBO historical drama more than a cinematic thriller.