The Trench (1999) Starring a pre-Bond Daniel Craig, The Trench follows a group of young British soldiers as they prepare for the Battle of the Somme, one of the most controversial and deadliest conflicts in the War. Paul Nicholls, James D’Arcy, Cillian Murphy, and Ben Whishaw co-star in the William Boyd-directed film. History hasn’t been kind to the Battle of the Somme. Indeed, the debate continues to this day over its necessity and significance. The film paints a visceral portrayal of the soldier’s emotions, which range from anxiety and anticipation to despair and even boredom. Taking place, as its title would suggest, in the trenches, the film is claustrophobic and unnerving, effectively capturing the soldiers’ own restlessness before the battle.