The “fog of war” evoked by Prussian general von Clausewitz and referenced in the title of the well-known documentary about ex-US Secretary of State Robert McNamara, becomes the “smoke of war” in this meticulous reconstruction of the Yom Kippur War in October 1973 from the perspective of Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister and the first woman to hold the post, Labour party member and chain smoker. Smoke envelops her constantly, seemingly bringing the acrid smell of the off-screen battle between the Israeli, Egyptian and Syrian forces straight into the offices and war room where Meir discusses and directs military strategy; and into the enquiry commission where she would account for decisions that led to victory but wounded or cost the lives of thousands.