Watch An Act of War

An Act of War is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Ryan M. Kennedy and released in 2015. The movie explores the psychological trauma of war and its impact on soldiers who return to civilian life. The movie follows the story of veteran Sergeant Battaglia, played by Russ Russo, who has returned home from serving in the Iraq War without any physical injuries. However, he is suffering from PTSD and struggles to adjust to civilian life. He is haunted by the images of the atrocities he witnessed and the lives he took during combat.

Unable to find a job, Battaglia falls into deep depression and becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends. His wife, Lara, played by Natasha Alam, is supportive but also frustrated as she cannot understand the depth of her husband's struggles. At the same time, Battaglia's PTSD becomes more severe, and he becomes detached from reality.

As the story unfolds, Battaglia's mental state deteriorates, leading him to act out in frightening ways. He becomes convinced that his wife is having an affair and that he is being followed by government agents. He begins to see visions of his fellow soldiers, who died in the war, and voices in his head push him to take extreme actions. Battaglia's spiral into madness leads to a dramatic and explosive conclusion that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The film is brilliantly written, with powerful performances by the entire cast, particularly Russo, who gives a poignant and nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with his inner demons. Alam provides an empathetic counterpoint to Russo's character, and Doug E. Doug delivers a subtle but powerful performance as Battaglia's therapist, who tries to help him cope with his PTSD.

An Act of War is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the devastating effects of war on soldiers, their families, and society. It challenges us to think about the sacrifices made by soldiers and the challenges they face when they return home. The movie delves into the complex reality of PTSD and reminds us that it is a serious and often overlooked condition that can have fatal consequences if left untreated.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting. The majority of the film takes place in the small, isolated town where Battaglia lives with his wife. The town is shown as being stark and barren, with long, empty highways and buildings that are rundown and empty. This creates a sense of isolation that mirrors Battaglia's state of mind.

Overall, An Act of War is a powerful and moving film that tackles a difficult and important subject. It is a must-see for anyone interested in psychological thrillers or exploring the impact of war on soldiers and their families. The film's dramatic conclusion, coupled with its strong performances and thoughtful script, make it a standout in its genre.

An Act of War is a 2015 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.