Sgt. Will Gardner

“Sgt. Will Gardner” from 2019 is an inspiring story that revolves around a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) soldier. The movie is directed and written by Max Martini, who also stars as the lead character, Will Gardner. The film touches on the troubles that returned soldiers face and the importance of finding purpose in life.

The film tells the story of Will Gardner, an Iraq war veteran who is struggling to adjust to life as a civilian. Despite his efforts to start afresh, he finds it difficult to shut out the traumatic experiences from his past. Gardner is a man with a purpose – he wants to walk across America to reconnect with his family and to discover a new purpose in life.

The movie jumps right into the thick of things, with the first ten minutes depicting the last moments of Will’s time in Iraq. We see the horrors of war and how it has impacted him on a personal level. Along with Will, we meet a group of characters who join him on his journey across America. They include Sam (Omari Hardwick), a recovering alcoholic; Mary Anne (Lily Rabe), a librarian who is willing to go to great lengths for her daughter, and a few others.

The characters in the film are all flawed and incredibly human, which makes it easy for the audience to relate to them. The performances are remarkable, and the chemistry between the characters is remarkable, which is evident in the emotional scenes where they open up to each other.

The film is partially a road movie and takes us to so many different places, from lush forests to grimy cities. Cinematographer Mathew Irving does an excellent job capturing the beauty of America, but also the ugly side. Some of the scenes are melancholic, while others are optimistic, and the camera angles always reflect Will’s mood.

One of the standout parts of the film is the direction of Max Martini. As a veteran himself, he brings an authenticity to the film that is lacking in most war movies. The depiction of PTSD is some of the most raw and authentic depiction of the condition in cinema. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s needed.

The movie has several heartrending moments, and it is not always smooth sailing for Will and his companions. The script does a great job of balancing the heavier moments with lighter ones, and the film’s theme of hope is evident throughout.

“Sgt. Will Gardner” is an insightful movie that raises awareness to the issues that veterans face. In the era of social media and 24-hour news culture, it can be easy to forget the people behind the headlines. This movie encourages us all to empathize with our troops and to be there for them when they return home.

In conclusion, “Sgt. Will Gardner” from 2019 is a must-watch. The movie’s directorial and acting performances are excellent, and the chemistry between characters shines throughout. The movie’s themes of hope and empathy are important and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our troops make. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see an authentic portrayal of PTSD and the struggles soldiers face when they come home.