From Shock to Awe

From Shock to Awe is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that chronicles the journey of two American military veterans in their search for healing, recovery, and understanding. Under the trusted direction of Luc Côté, who's known for his sincere and hard-hitting storytelling, the movie involves an intense exploration into the use of psychedelics as a viable treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The film revolves around the lives of Mike Cooley and Matt Kahl, two veterans who have fought in the extreme conditions of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Their attempt to integrate back into everyday life, leaving the battlefield behind, is painstakingly difficult. The movie is an evocative representation of the invisible wounds of war, the ones carried in the minds and hearts of soldiers.

Both Cooley and Kahl have struggled to cope with PTSD and the emotional torment that hinders them from leading an ordinary life. They suffer from grave anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other severe symptoms. The documentary shows their arduous attempts to find relief and healing through conventional methods, which unfortunately proved unsuccessful.

Through their journeys, From Shock to Awe explores the controversial concept of using psychedelic substances as a form of therapeutic treatment for PTSD. The film delves into their experiences with Ayahuasca, a powerful, hallucinogenic brew used traditionally by Indigenous communities for spiritual and healing purposes.

The movie tackles the controversy, widespread stigma, and fear that surrounds the use of such substances. It becomes an exploration of the growing evidence suggesting that these non-traditional, often maligned treatments might offer real help where other therapies have failed.

The two veterans travel to Peru to participate in an ancient Ayahuasca healing ceremony under the guidance of experienced shamans. With a non-judgmental lens, the documentary shows the consequences of their experiences without advocating or dismissing the use of Ayahuasca. The movie sheds light on the potential for healing while maintaining the complexity and risks involved in such controversial treatments.

Cooley and Kahl’s experiences are not romanticized but instead, portrayed authentically, revealing their vulnerabilities and bravery. The film also includes the perspectives of their families, their worries, hopes, and the transformative journeys they undertake alongside their loved ones.

From Shock to Awe not only acts as an illuminating investigation of an alternative form of treatment but also as a condemnation of war, underlining the lasting repercussions that soldiers often endure long after they have returned home. The narrative continually emphasizes the need for understanding, compassion, and viable treatment options for our veterans battling mental health issues like PTSD.

The cinematography in the movie combines real-life experiences with vivid, hallucinogenic visuals, dramatically bringing to life the veterans' Ayahuasca experiences during the Peruvian ceremonies. The power in these images works effortlessly alongside the narrative, capturing the fear, pain, and ultimately, the profound breakthroughs experienced.

The documentary asks more questions than it answers, encouraging viewers to think, question, and most importantly, empathize with the warriors. It takes the viewers on a journey that’s not just geographical but profoundly emotional and psychological.

From Shock to Awe is a raw, authentic portrayal of two men shattered by war, attempting to mend themselves physically and spiritually. It doesn't shy away from showing the price paid by soldiers and their loved ones due to the catastrophic impact of war. The movie forces us to reconsider our understanding of PTSD, its treatment methods, and critically examine our approach towards psychedelics and their therapeutic potential.

Listening to Cooley and Kahl's experiences is deeply sobering and, in many ways, transformative. The film is a testament to their resilience and the arduous journey they embark upon to reclaim their lives from the shadow of their past. From Shock to Awe is as much a conversation starter as it is a potent statement on the understanding of PTSD and the exploration of unconventional pathways to healing.

In the end, what truly stays with the viewer is the intimate look at the deeply personal journey of two veterans in their quest for post-war peace, unmasking the often forgotten human aspect of war – its survivors.