The Forgotten Battle: Netflix’s Underrated WWII Drama Draws Comparisons With Dunkirk
Netflix’s The Forgotten Battle is bringing a little-known chapter of World War II to the screen, and viewers say its powerful storytelling and realistic combat sequences deserve far more attention. Some have even compared the Dutch production to acclaimed war films such as Dunkirk and Saving Private Ryan, with several describing it as “Oscar worthy”.
Released in 2020, the historical drama focuses on the 1944 Battle of the Scheldt, a major but often overlooked campaign during the final years of the war. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. and written by Paula van der Oest, the film combines the wider conflict with the experiences of individuals whose lives become intertwined by the fighting.
Three lives caught in the Battle of the Scheldt
Rather than following a single military unit, The Forgotten Battle tells its story through three central perspectives: a young soldier serving in the German army, a British glider pilot and a Dutch resistance fighter.
Their paths cross as the battle unfolds, forcing each of them to make decisions with consequences extending far beyond their own survival. The film explores how people on opposing sides of the conflict confront fear, loyalty and difficult choices, while their personal struggles unfold against the devastation of war.
The ensemble cast includes Gijs Blom, Jamie Flatters, Tom Felton, Susan Radder, Jan Bijvoet, Coen Bril, Theo Barklem-Biggs and Scott Reid.
A major Dutch production with an ambitious scale
With an estimated budget of €14 million and worldwide box-office earnings of approximately $6 million, The Forgotten Battle ranks as the second most expensive Dutch film ever made, behind Paul Verhoeven’s 2006 drama Black Book (Zwartboek). Its scale is reflected in its detailed battlefield sequences and striking cinematography.
The film also aims to bring attention to the historical significance of the Battle of the Scheldt. Fought in 1944, the campaign was crucial to securing access to the port of Antwerp, an important supply route for Allied forces as they advanced through north-western Europe. The movie uses fictional characters and interconnected personal stories to explore the human cost of that struggle.
Critics and audiences praise its powerful war sequences
The film has attracted strong reactions from viewers, who have praised its performances, cinematography and uncompromising depiction of combat. One critic described it as brutal, terrifying and emotionally devastating, while another recommended it to anyone looking for a spectacular wartime epic.
Audience reviews have highlighted the way the separate storylines gradually come together, giving the film a broader perspective on the people caught up in the conflict. Some have also compared its immersive battle scenes with those in Saving Private Ryan, while others see similarities to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, particularly in the way major historical events are experienced through individual characters.
One viewer called it an “Oscar worthy” film, praising its realistic combat, performances and storytelling. Another said they had started watching with few expectations but ended up counting it among their favourite war movies.
The Rotten Tomatoes figures also reflect its positive reception, although the critics’ and audience scores are not identical. The film currently holds a 100% Tomatometer score from eight critic reviews, alongside an 82% audience score.
Not every review has been equally enthusiastic, but the film’s ambition, visual scale and portrayal of a less familiar part of World War II have helped it stand out among the many dramas about the conflict.
For viewers who appreciate historically inspired war stories such as Dunkirk and Saving Private Ryan, The Forgotten Battle offers a different perspective on the final years of the war — one told through three lives shaped by the same devastating campaign.
The Forgotten Battle is available to stream on Netflix. Availability may vary by region.*
