Watch The Messenger

The Messenger is a 2009 independent drama film directed by Oren Moverman. The film stars Ben Foster, Samantha Morton, and Woody Harrelson in lead roles. The movie tells the story of two United States Army soldiers, Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) and Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), who are working as Casualty Notification Officers. Their job is to personally inform the family members of fallen soldiers that their loved ones have been killed in action. While doing this work, they form a bond with each other and begin to confide in each other. Will Montgomery, a veteran of the Iraq War, is a bitter man who is struggling to adjust to civilian life after being discharged from the army. He has difficulty dealing with his emotions and often lashes out at others. Meanwhile, Tony Stone, a highly decorated soldier, is dealing with his own issues related to his service in the army. Their first case is to inform Olivia Pitterson (Samantha Morton) that her husband has been killed in action in Iraq. Will is immediately attracted to Olivia and is deeply affected by her grief. As he spends more time with her, their relationship deepens and he begins to hope that they can have a future together. However, things become complicated when Will learns that Tony has been having an affair with a widow he notified of her husband's death. This transgression puts their relationship and the mission at risk. As they struggle to deal with their own demons, the two men must come to terms with the reality of war and the sacrifices soldiers make on a daily basis. The Messenger is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the psychological toll of war on soldiers and their families. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, particularly Ben Foster, who delivers a complex and nuanced portrayal of a wounded soldier struggling to find his place in the world. The film's script, co-written by Moverman and Alessandro Camon, is also excellent. It raises important questions about the human costs of war and the role of soldiers in our society. The dialogue is naturalistic and the pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the story. The Messenger received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the film's realistic portrayal of soldiers and their families. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Woody Harrelson's performance. Overall, The Messenger is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is well worth watching. It is a testament to the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and an important reminder of the true cost of war.