Christopher Nolan is known for making incredibly original, wildly thought-provoking films, so Dunkirk seems in some ways to be a non-Nolan film. I say this because there are no real surprises or twists or turns or brilliant, completely unpredictable plot points. In fact, there is hardly a plot at all. Instead, Dunkirk is a kind of moving mural, with a haunting and compelling musical score. A beautiful creation, from a purely aesthetic perspective, but I am not sure whether to call it a film.

Update, 2023: I watched this film again and continue to find the musical score the most compelling element. I now think that the general ennui and aimlessness make sense, given the essential nihilism of war. Just look at the meat-grinder war in Ukraine!