Beer Is Cheaper Than Therapy

Beer Is Cheaper Than Therapy is an unforgettable and compelling insight into the American military’s unseen world that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. This captivating documentary from 2011 was directed and edited by Louis Theroux-associate, Simonka de Jong, with photography by Adri Schrover, and produced by De Familie Film & TV in Amsterdam.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of small-town Texas, the film takes viewers deeply inside the lives of five soldiers returning from the battlefield, and only few miles away from one of the largest military bases in the world, Fort Hood. After witnessing and experiencing the traumas of war, these soldiers are facing new battles, this time within their mind and soul. The documentary provides an in-depth psychological and sociological exploration of these soldier's post-military life in America with their family, friends, memories and emotional struggles.

The emotional tone of the movie depicts the soldier's struggles and their attempts to reintegrate into civilian life, underlining the staggering issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which is common among military personnel back from the warfront. As the title suggests, beer becomes a form of low-cost therapy for them, offering an escape route from the mental agony of their war-inflicted trauma.

The director takes a personal, intimate approach in portraying the lives of the soldiers, highlighting their emotional vulnerabilities and the formidable difficulties they face adjusting to everyday life after being in a war zone. She approaches this controversial and sensitive topic with the utmost respect for her subjects, accomplishing an extraordinary feat in investigative filmmaking while ensuring the dignity of the people involved.

De Jong does an amazing job of meticulously presenting the universal and individual challenges of these soldiers. They are portrayed not merely as victims, but as real people with complex emotions - an aspect often overlooked in mainstream portrayals of veterans. The film allows them to voice their own narratives in order to provide an authentic and realistic picture of what PTSD looks like for our returning servicemen and servicewomen.

The film showcases the emotional aftermath and the societal impact of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the maltreatment and lack of support subjected to veterans returning home. It is a stark revelation of the inadequacy of the infrastructure and support system in place to assist veterans in their psychological recovery. The alienation and isolation they face from society is a recurrent theme throughout, and it is painful to see the commonplace use of alcohol to cope with the aftermath of war, highlighting a deplorable gap in veteran care.

The film does not shy away from addressing the epidemic of PTSD-related suicide among veterans. It takes a hard look at the institutions meant to support them and questions whether they are enough or even structured to handle the mental health crisis facing veterans today. The documentary challenges viewers to take a long, hard look at the unseen human cost of war, particularly its impact on the mental health of veterans.

Additionally, the movie provides an intimate portrayal of the soldiers' families who are often left in the dark about the war, the effects it had on their loved ones, and their struggle in providing the much-needed support to the afflicted.

The vibrant color and sounds of Texas establish the background for this powerfully emotional roller coaster of a documentary. The cinematography is as outstanding as the storytelling, taking viewers on a visual journey through the daily lives of these servicemen who are attempting to transition back into society whilst coping with their hidden scars of war.

The documentary offers an emotional odyssey that will hold your attention from the very first scene. It challenges us to rethink our perspectives on war, soldiers, and the silent battle within the minds of servicemen returning home. Beer Is Cheaper Than Therapy is a thought-provoking, emotionally engaging film that stirs empathy and will likely stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

In a nutshell, Beer Is Cheaper Than Therapy is a poignant visual essay on the untold psychological collateral of warfare, a powerful plea for official and societal recognition of the emotional and mental pressures endured by soldiers long after they have left the battlefield. It is a film that tells a largely unspoken narrative about the unseen wounds our heroes carry and how they attempt to heal in a society that is often unaware of their silent sufferings.