Watch Shadow Company

Shadow Company is a gripping war documentary that delves into the world of modern-day mercenaries, shining a light on the shadowy and often morally ambiguous world of private military contractors. The film is directed by Nick Bicanic and Jason Bourque and features interviews with former Blackwater employees, industry insiders, and a variety of other figures familiar with the inner workings of the private military industry.

As the film begins, we are introduced to a few of the key players in the world of mercenaries, including Erik Prince, the founder of the controversial private military company Blackwater. We see footage of Prince being interviewed on various news shows, defending the actions of his employees and the role of private contractors in the war in Iraq.

From there, the film starts to explore the history of the private military industry, tracing its origins back to the colonial era and discussing how it has evolved over time. We hear from scholars and historians who discuss the various reasons why governments and corporations have turned to private contractors in recent years, ranging from a desire for cost savings to a need for more flexible and agile military forces.

Throughout the film, we are taken on a journey through some of the most notorious private military operations of the past few decades, including the Blackwater shootings in Baghdad's Nisour Square and the failed rescue attempt of hostages in Colombia. We hear firsthand accounts from former private military contractors who were on the ground during these operations, providing a visceral and often disturbing look at the realities of modern-day warfare.

One of the most interesting aspects of Shadow Company is the way it delves into the psychological and emotional impact of working as a private military contractor. We hear from former mercenaries who speak candidly about the toll that these experiences have taken on their mental health, describing traumatic incidents they witnessed and participated in and discussing the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life.

At the same time, the film also explores the financial incentives that draw people into the private military industry. We hear from contractors who describe the allure of six-figure salaries and the thrill of working in exotic locations around the world. There is a sense of adventure and risk-taking that permeates this world, and it's hard not to feel drawn in by the intense imagery of men armed with heavy weaponry moving confidently through the desert.

Despite the film's unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of this industry, there are moments of hope and redemption scattered throughout. We meet individuals like Marc Winnick, a former private military contractor who left the industry after experiencing a crisis of conscience. Winnick now spends his time advocating for greater transparency and oversight in the private military industry, and his journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest corners of the world, there is always the potential for redemption and change.

Overall, Shadow Company is a powerful and thought-provoking film that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer. By exploring the world of private military contractors with such depth and nuance, the filmmakers have crafted a documentary that feels both timely and timeless, providing valuable insights into the often murky world of modern warfare. Whether you are a fan of military documentaries or simply interested in exploring the human experience of those who find themselves caught up in global conflicts, there is much to admire and appreciate in this film.

Shadow Company is a 2007 horror movie with a runtime of 43 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.