Writer/Director Micha Webley brings us a moving and thought-proving film for the post-iraq world where many soldiers are returning to society suffering from PTSD and struggling to settle back in to ‘normal’ life. Released on DVD in the the UK by 101 Films.
The film stars Chadwick Boseman (Marvel’s Black Panther), Tory Kittles (True Detective), Billy Zane ( & Peter Greene (Pulp Fiction)
Some may draw parallels between this film and Scorsese’s Taxi Driver; but the central character here is at-least one step removed from Travis Bickle. You could see it as a re-imagining for modern times but it’s effective in it’s own right none the less.
Lt. Samuel Drake (Boseman) is a troubled vet plagued by his actions while deployed in Iraq. Recently discharged, he is trying to piece his life back together while he works as a cab driver and lives in a rundown motel room. He also attends counselling sessions led by Marshall (Zane) to help cope with the horrors of his past.
While on this path to a fresh start, Drake’s fragile new life is shattered when two executives James (Ted Rooney, Grimm) and Peter (Greene), present a new mission, one with no option to refuse; track down and kill Sgt. Devon Carter (Kittles), an AWOL Marine Corps sniper who knows the truth about Drake’s past and who himself is on a mission to target and kill members of a mercenary firm.
This was really well shot with excellent performances from Boseman & Kittle…who I really felt delved the depths of their complex characters. I also felt the locations which vary from gritty street scenes to sweeping, deserted landscapes really helped to add some character to the film as did the subtle and reflective scoring which is present throughout.
A really nice touch was the casting of real ex-soldiers for the support group; as revealed in post-credit scene that shows their real names and ranks. The film as a whole is perhaps a little too reflective for it’s own good but highly recommended as a cinematic experience.
Like most 101 Films releases however this DVD contained no special features which is a shame.
4.5/5 – A Moving, thought-provoking look at the life of soldiers post-war with some excellent performances. A modern-day ‘Taxi Driver’.
Available now on Amazon.
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