Escape and Evasion

Escape and Evasion, directed by Storm Ashwood and released in 2019, is a gripping, emotion drenching, and thought-provoking war drama. Starring Josh McConville, Rena Owen, and Firass Dirani, the narrative unfolds a gripping tale of guilt, survival, redemption, and unimaginable circumstances of war. This Australian-made feature is a masterful human portrayal amidst the chaos of battle. It examines the psychological toll that warfare often takes on soldiers and raises questions about moral obligations, duty, brotherhood and the brutal realities of life on the frontlines.

The movie revolves around the character Corporal Seth (Josh McConville), a battle-hardened war veteran, who is the sole survivor of an unsanctioned mission in Myanmar. After returning from war, Seth is left to deal with the burdens of survival, guilt, and dreadful memories haunting him continually. His daunting experiences have led to his traumatic conditions showing symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The audience becomes an eyewitness to Seth's psychological turmoil and his continual battle with the trauma veiled beneath his soldierly facade.

Seth finds himself under the scrutiny of Rebecca Jordan (Rena Owen), a determined investigative journalist eager to uncover the truth behind the failed mission in Myanmar. She's got her heart fixed on unmasking the cover-ups that the army, embodied by Major Beckett (Hugh Sheridan), is bent on preserving. Rebecca's role adds another layer of tension to the story as she persistently tries to extract the truth from Seth about what happened in the jungle.

Firass Dirani's character, Josh, a mercenary soldier, provides an essential break from the intense drama, delivering occasional comic relief whilst also contributing significantly to the overall narrative of the film. His rapport with Seth delivers moments that adds depth and complexity to their characters and the story at large.

What sets Escape and Evasion apart from your average war film is its take on the psychological aspects of a soldier’s life post-conflict along with the corruption and cover-ups by those in authority. The movie doesn't primarily focus on battlefield events but gives a deeper insight into the physical and mental scars that linger within the soldiers long after the battle has ceased.

The film's intermittent flashback sequences to the Myanmar jungle provide glimpses of the disarrayed combat situation, enabling the viewers to slowly piece together the horrific events that led to Seth's predicament. This narrative style propels the storyline forward while at the same time keeping the audience invested in uncovering what actually happened in the depths of the Burmese jungle. However, it's worth noting that the warfare scenes are not overly glorified or romanticized, instead, it seeks to portray the bleak reality of the combat situations.

Ashwood builds a gripping ambiance throughout the film, balancing action sequences with moments for character development. The cinematography is breathtaking, vividly capturing the Australian landscape and contrasting it with the brutal terrain of the Myanmar jungle in Seth's flashbacks.

Moreover, the stellar performances of the cast, especially that of Josh McConville, establish a believable and pulsating atmosphere in the film. McConville's portrayal of a war-ravaged soldier dealing with the guilt of his past is sure to grip the audience's emotions, as he delivers a wholly convincing and moving performance.

However, the film isn't merely a chronicle of a soldier's post-war life. At its core, Escape and Evasion is a story of redemption, a quest for truth, and the human instinct for survival. Ashwood, through his artful storytelling, delves into the inherent human desire to confront and overcome the traumas of the past, to seek forgiveness and find a path to self-healing.

Intense, compelling, and emotionally stirring, Escape and Evasion is certainly a movie that leaves its viewers contemplating the harsh realities of war and the ongoing battle that soldiers face even when off the battlefield. This film is a must-see for those interested in war dramas that explore not just the combat side of things, but the aftermath, repercussions, and the psychological trauma inflicted on the soldiers.