New film examines PTSD
We are happy to present another gem of a film for its debut in Lethbridge this weekend. “Thank You For Your Service,” an American war drama, penned by a Washington Post reporter who focused on veterans returning to the vicinity of Fort Riley, Kansas, following a deployment in Iraq in 2007-08. The film addresses post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depicting U.S. soldiers who try to adjust to civilian life, and stars Miles Teller. This true story is rated 14A, and carries a gory violence, mature subject matter and coarse language warning. It is 109 minutes long and will play daily at 1:10 p.m., 4:05 p.m., 6:50 p.m. and 9:35 p.m.
“‘Thank You for Your Service’ follows a group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq who struggle to integrate back into family and civilian life, while living with the memory of a war that threatens to destroy them long after they’ve left the battlefield. Starring an ensemble cast led by Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale, Scott Haze, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Brad Beyer, Omar J. Dorsey and Jayson Warner Smith, the drama is based on the bestselling book by Pulitzer Prizewinning reporter and author David Finkel. Jason Hall, who wrote the screenplay of American Sniper, makes his directorial debut with ‘Thank You for Your Service’ and also serves as its screenwriter.” – DreamWorks Pictures official site.
I had the opportunity to view this at a pre-screening about a month ago. I went in not knowing fully what to expect, but must say I emerged with a completely different outlook on PTSD and its effects and reality in the lives of many. Myles Teller delivers an amazing performance as decorated soldier Adam Schumann, returning after a lengthy 15-month combat deployment in Iraq. He returns home to Kansas to his loving wife and two children. However, he is bombarded with frequent flashbacks — driving him to seek help from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
His unresolved psychological issues revolve around his perceived failure to safely rescue a fellow soldier from a building under fire.
While the soldier saved was seriously injured, gratitude is expressed to Adam for simply being alive. Adam is also racked with guilt for letting another sergeant take his place on patrol one day that ended tragically.
The grieving widow, Amanda (surprisingly played quite well by none other than comedienne Amy Schumer), who happens to be best of friends with Adam’s wife, finally gains closure as she learns the circumstances of her husband's death and absolves Adam for it.
There is so much more that I would love to share, but must hold back to allow you the opportunity to be entertained. Be forewarned, however, the flashbacks to the fighting scenes are quite brutal and graphic — but I guess that is the reality of the horror of war.
This weekend, as we commemorate Remembrance Day, may we all give thanks and thought to the countless individuals who have answered the call of duty and made such a sacrifice. May we never forget, and may we never repeat …