Outside the Wire poster

Outside the Wire

"Defiant by design."

Movie R 2021 1h 56m 6.3 /10
Directed by Mikael Håfström

Set in a near future where unmanned systems loom large over combat, a seasoned drone pilot named Leo is sent behind enemy lines into a heavily fortified zone. His mission is terse and high risk, and the rules of engagement feel fragile under pressure. Accompanying him is an advanced android... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: February 23, 2026

About Outside the Wire

Set in a near future where unmanned systems loom large over combat, a seasoned drone pilot named Leo is sent behind enemy lines into a heavily fortified zone. His mission is terse and high risk, and the rules of engagement feel fragile under pressure. Accompanying him is an advanced android officer known as Harp, built to think fast and act decisively in combat. As they push through checkpoints and ruined streets, their uneasy alliance is tested by citywide surveillance, deteriorating loyalties, and a looming threat tied to a suspected doomsday device. The pursuit forces Leo to question the cost of authority, and Harp to prove the value of imperfect human judgment.

Directed by Mikael Håfström with a screenplay by Alice Allemano Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale Outside the Wire is a Netflix original that blends near future warfare with high intensity action.

Outside the Wire nudges conversations about autonomous warfare by pairing a human drone operator with a self advancing android. It probes who bears responsibility when machines enforce lethal outcomes and whether trust can exist between fallible humans and synthetic teammates. The dynamic keeps tension high.

Critics gave Outside the Wire mixed reviews, noting strong performances from Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris and crisp action sequences, but some felt the plot and dialogue limited the premise. Core themes include the ethics of autonomous weapons and the cost of quick decisions in war.

Details

Release Date
January 15, 2021
Runtime
1h 56m
Rating
R
User Ratings
1,893 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Thriller, Action, Science Fiction
Country
United States
Studio
Inspire Entertainment +3 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie

Leo

Damson Idris

Damson Idris

Lieutenant Thomas Harp

Enzo Cilenti

Enzo Cilenti

Sergeant Miller

Emily Beecham

Emily Beecham

Sofiya

Henry Garrett

Henry Garrett

Brydon

Kristina Tonteri-Young

Kristina Tonteri-Young

Corporal Mandy Bale

Pilou Asbæk

Pilou Asbæk

Victor Koval

Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly

Eckhart

Brady Dowad

Brady Dowad

Bigfoot

Alexandra Szucs

Alexandra Szucs

Female bank worker

Director: Mikael Håfström

Written by: Alice Allemano, Rob Yescombe, Rowan Athale

Frequently Asked Questions

Outside the Wire is available to stream on Netflix.

Yes, Outside the Wire is available to stream on Netflix with a subscription.

With a rating of 6.3/10 from 1,893 viewers, Outside the Wire is considered solid entertainment worth checking out. It's a good pick if you enjoy thriller, action, and science fiction stories.

Set in a near future where unmanned systems loom large over combat, a seasoned drone pilot named Leo is sent behind enemy lines into a heavily fortified zone. His mission is terse and high risk, and the rules of engagement feel fragile under pressure. Accompanying him is an advanced android offic...

Anthony Mackie stars as Leo, a drone pilot. He teams up with an android officer in a near-future militarized zone to stop a threat.

Damson Idris plays Lieutenant Thomas Harp, Enzo Cilenti is Sergeant Miller, Emily Beecham portrays Sofiya, and Henry Garrett plays Brydon. Anthony Mackie stars as Leo.