Thank You for Your Service (2017)

“Thank You for Your Service” stars Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale, and Scott Haze.  Released on October 27, 2017, the film showcases three American soldiers dealing with post traumatic stress disorder after returning from Iraq.

The film features the directorial debut of Jason Hall, who is mostly known for writing the screenplay for American Sniper.  It is based on the 2013 non-fiction book of the same name by David Finkel.  Last weekend, I reviewed a fact-based film that involves firefighters dealing with wildfires.  Now I’m reviewing a fact-based film that involves U.S. soldiers dealing with PTSD.  Must be a good month for real American heroes as well as Miles Teller, who starred in both of these films.  So how does this one compare to Only the Brave in terms of respecting the American heroes and their struggles?  Simple answer: Very well.

The biggest advantage that Jason Hall has to offer is his knowledge of how the American soldiers operate as well as how they behave when they return home to their friends and family from the war.  The latter is something that is called post traumatic stress disorder, which is the film’s main concept.  This is one of those psychological problems that is still going on today, and the film’s execution actually made that importance much more significant to those who are dealing with this type of problem.  The way Hall displayed it on film is like I was watching actual people attempting to adjust to the changes that were placed right in front of them.  He didn’t go all “Hollywood” on the story, but rather showcase a realistic, yet depressing, look at the difficulties surrounding the soldiers with PTSD.  What made it even better is the film’s screenplay and the chemistry between the cast.  These actors did a really good job at portraying their characters, especially Miles Teller, who delivered a subtle, yet attractive, performance as Adam Schumann.  I would also have to give Amy Schumer some credit for her attempt at a dramatic role.  She was pretty darn impressive in terms of her performance.  My only concern with this film is, in fact, the concept.  I wouldn’t consider it to be a major flaw, but I would say that the film has plenty of depressing moments.  While its themes are important to learn, I do feel that some people may feel a bit uncomfortable watching someone either attempting to kill themselves or rage out like the Incredible Hulk.  But hey, that’s what real life is like.

Overall, it can be a bit depressing for some people, but “Thank You for Your Service” is an emotional and thought-provoking character study that boasts a strong cast and a respectable sense of realism.  For his first time as a director, I thought Jason Hall did an amazing job at delivering this type of story, and I hope to see him work on some more projects like this very soon.  I would gladly recommend it to those who are familiar with this concept as well as those who are into well-told biopics.  However, if you’re looking for an escape from reality, this one may not be for you.

A-