Poster Girl

Poster Girl is a profound and intensely moving documentary film that was released in 2010. The film provides viewers with a glimpse into the ups and downs of the life of Robynn Murray, an American woman who is revealed to be anything but ordinary.

Robynn Murray's journey is not a linear one, nor is it an easy one to digest. From the very onset, it's made clear that this vibrant, young woman faces a multitude of personal and societal challenges. The crux of the documentary lies in the fact that Murray, prior to the filming of Poster Girl, was no stranger to the limelight. In fact, she was literally the poster girl for the U.S. Army - her image, full of vigor and patriotism, used in multiple recruitment campaigns across the nation. As such, she carries the significant weight of symbolizing the brave female face of the American military force.

However, the documentary does not merely rest on the laurels of Murray's public image. Instead, it delves into the stark reality behind the glossy recruitment posters. It traces Murray's transformation from an upbeat, high school cheerleader to a woman soldier deployed in Iraq, completely immersed in the harsh reality of war. Upon her return, she's confronted with a starkly contrasting reality that includes grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), navigating the U.S. veteran support system, and finding her bearing in civilian life.

The film provides a raw and intimate portrayal of what life can be like for veterans returning from war, especially female servicewomen. The nuances of Murray's changing life, from service woman to veteran, are thoughtfully captured. This incites a compelling dialogue about the often-overlooked, brutal aftermath of war on a personal and psychological level.

Murray's homecoming is portrayed through a series of tearful yet resilient confessions, interspersed with footage from Murray's tours in Iraq. Director Sara Nesson, through her adept storytelling and unobtrusive filming, ensures that the focus never strays from Murray's personal narrative. The heart of the film lies in Murray's candid conversations about her battle with PTSD and her attempts to turn her life around, ensuring a stark contrast to the polished poster of Murray in her bright, patriotic uniform.

Robynn Murray herself emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Her enduring spirit and relentless pursuit for awareness about PTSD are evident. Her candidness and honesty about her struggles with self-harm and processing her traumatic experiences give an emotional heft to the film, making it a poignant experience for viewers.

Moreover, the film boldly highlights the lack of adequate support for returned servicewomen dealing with PTSD and the toll it takes on their lives and relationships. Murray's struggles to get her PTSD recognised by the Veterans Association and her eventual triumph forms an essential part of the narrative.

The soundtrack adds a touch of poignancy to the narrative. Joshua Abrams's melancholic music underscores the emotional hardship that Murray endures, effectively conveying the mental tumult as she tries to reorient her life.

Poster Girl is an inspiring documentary offering a confrontational look at the real costs of war beyond the battlefield. It's a tale of a woman's indomitable spirit, a resilient fight against the odds, and a relentless pursuit for justice. It teaches its audience about the importance of dialogue around mental health and the urgency to support those facing PTSD, especially among veterans.

In Poster Girl, Nesson has woven an incredible tale of survival, resistance, and heart. By watching Murray's journey, viewers are provoked to reflect upon the substantial emotional costs that often shadow admirable service to one's country. This documentary is thus a much-needed spotlight on an often-shrouded aspect of a veteran's life – a story of pain, resilience, and ultimate triumph.