Semper Fi

Semper Fi is an intense drama steeped in the themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and the strain of keeping morality in perspective. Directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, who had previously delivered impressive films such as 'Disconnect' and the Oscar-nominated documentary 'Murderball', the movie released in 2019 with a star-studded lineup of Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad, Divergent), Nat Wolff (The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns), and Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story, The Big Short).

Woven around the steadfast bonds of fraternity and the unwavering principle of 'Semper Fidelis' (Always Faithful), a motto held in high regards by the United States Marines, the movie weaves a cinematic tale of five childhood friends from a small pre-industrial American town. The group of friends are anchored by their unofficial leader, Cal, portrayed by Jai Courtney, who is a by-the-books town cop when he's not serving as a sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve.

The fabric of their relationship faces the ultimate test when Oyster, played by Nat Wolff, who is Cal's reckless younger half-brother, finds himself in a prison sentence after an unfortunate bar fight. The event sets off a chain of emotional collisions, bringing the brothers face-to-face with their personal value systems.

The story centers largely on the bond between Cal and Oyster — two brothers vastly different in demeanour, yet bound by a familial bond that leaves Cal torn between his duty to uphold the law and his instinct to protect his brother. Cal won't stand for Oyster being swallowed up in the system and decides to put his career, freedom, and life on the line for the sake of his brother's freedom.

On the other side of the spectrum, Finn Wittrock plays the role of Jaeger, a hard-drinking ladies man, adding another dimension to the story and lending his chemistry to the group dynamics. Wittrock's role underscores the stark contrast to Jai Courtney's steadfast Cal, making the duo's on-screen portrayal both entertaining and captivating.

The narrative effectively cross-examines the principles of brotherhood, morality, family, duty, and friendship through the group's daunting dilemmas, making it much more than just an action feature or war film. The film delves into deep human connections and personal transformation, a hallmark of director Rubin, who successfully weaves together a complex tapestry of brotherhood and moral ambiguity.

Emotionally charged performances by the ensemble cast, deft direction, taut screenplay, and notable cinematography make Semper Fi a worthwhile watch. While the movie's action sequences do a convincing job of reminding viewers that a portion of the film relates to the experiences of war, the heart of the film really lies in its exploration of the relationships between its characters and the enduring spirit of loyalty.

Semper Fi offers gripping performances from its leads, especially Jai Courtney and Nat Wolff, whose portrayals infuse the story with authentic emotions, making viewers resonate with their characters' pain, guilt and desperation. Jai Courtney puts up a praiseworthy performance as the determined, moral, and burdened brother who struggles to find a balance between his sense of righteousness and profound love for his sibling.

Although set with a backdrop familiar to war and crime dramas, Semper Fi stands out with its unique perspective on the enduring ties of brotherhood, loyalty against all odds, and the heavy price paid for justice. It leaves its audience with a compelling narrative and unforgettable performances, urging movie-goers to question the lines of morality, integrity, and duty.