Almost everyone is familiar with the admonishment, “Don’t shoot the messenger.” But what if the proverbial “messenger” has already braved gunfire overseas? The film The Messenger follows Staff Sergeant, Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), a soldier who returns injured from Iraq only to be reassigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service. Still traumatized from his tour of duty, Will becomes responsible for alerting fallen soldiers’ loved ones of their deaths. Although he is only the messenger, he must bear the tears and hostilities of Army families having just confirmed their worst fears.
The Messenger isn’t your typical war movie, though. While explores common themes, like Army camaraderie and the question breaking the rules, it focuses on war’s emotional effects rather than combat. Watching the evolution of Will’s friendship with his commanding officer and his budding romance with a soldier’s widow is just as moving as witnessing a battle scene.
Stilted dialogue, especially during the film’s tensest moments, shakes its credibility, but stellar acting and cinematography more than recoup this damage. The ensemble cast is strong from top to bottom, and Ben Foster shines in maybe his showiest role to date. On screen, the film looks gorgeous, and Moverman constructs a thoughtful soundtrack most evident in the most revealing moments. Subtle nuances like these give The Messenger a surprisingly personal touch to remember long after leaving the theater.
3.5 Stars
Directed by: Oren Moverman
Starring: Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton
Rated 5, 105 minutes
