The Objective

The Objective is a captivating 2008 film that masterfully merges the genres of action, horror, and science fiction. Directed by Daniel Myrick, who also co-wrote the script with Mark A. Patton and Wesley Clark Jr., the movie features notable actors such as Jonas Ball, Matthew R. Anderson, and Jon Huertas. Renowned cinematographer Stephanie Martin also contributes greatly to the movie's compelling visual aesthetic.

The movie exudes an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, achieved through its interesting blend of military action and supernatural elements. Raising questions about the line between reality and illusion and exploring themes of war, terror, and the unknown, The Objective will grip viewers from beginning to end.

The story opens in Afghanistan in the days just after 9/11. Jonas Ball plays CIA operative Benjamin Keynes, who leads a special forces squad on a mission that goes beyond conventional military objectives. Alongside Matthew R. Anderson and Jon Huertas, who play members of the special forces team, Keynes heads deep into the barren deserts of Afghanistan.

The goal of the mission is shrouded in secrecy, with Keynes only vaguely informing his team that they are to locate and secure a major source of intelligence concerning the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. From the beginning, however, the mission is beset by numerous issues, and it's immediately apparent that it won't be a straightforward military operation.

As the team delves deeper into the inhospitable wilderness, unsettling and strange occurrences begin to surface. It becomes clear that they are not only facing the tangible enemy of the Taliban forces but are also confronted by an inexplicable and ominous force that defies understanding.

The tension escalates as the lines between enemy combatant and ally blur, replaced by a struggle for survival against an overwhelming and relentless force. As the stakes rise, the physicality of war is juxtaposed with the metaphysical mystery intertwined with the narrative, building an atmosphere of suspense and dread.

The film shines in its depiction of the hostile and stark desert landscape of Afghanistan, which plays a significant role in the narrative. The vast expanse of arid desolation serves as an apt metaphor for the isolation and hopelessness experienced by the team, magnifying the sense of menace and threat. Stephanie Martin's expert cinematography effectively captures the bleak beauty of the landscape, enhancing the eerie and uncertain ambiance.

The performances given by Jonas Ball, Matthew R. Anderson, and Jon Huertas are convincing and engaging. Ball, as CIA operative Keynes, skillfully portrays a man well-trained in espionage and warfare, yet rendered vulnerable and out of depth by the inexplicable circumstances he finds himself in. Anderson and Huertas complement Ball’s performance well, delivering authentic character portrayals.

The Objective uses its unique combination of warfare and the supernatural to challenge viewers' perceptions of reality, leading to a captivating viewing experience. Rather than relying on visual effects, the horror in the film comes from the fear of the unknown. It's a subtle and eerily effective approach that keeps you on edge, constantly questioning what could possibly be next.

The director's expertise is evident in the careful pacing of the narrative. Daniel Myrick, who also gave us the groundbreaking "Blair Witch Project", expertly builds tension and suspense, gradually escalating the level of threat and terror throughout the film. A sense of impending doom permeates the narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Despite its gritty war setting, The Objective effectively explores elements of horror and science fiction, resulting in a gripping supernatural thriller that fans of both genres will appreciate. It experiments with the notion of the unknown, utilizing it to create an atmosphere of dread and mystery that lingers long after the film has ended.

In conclusion, The Objective is a movie that seamlessly bridges the genres of action, horror, and science fiction, creating a gripping viewing experience. It manages to be insightful and thrilling, making viewers ponder the fragility and resilience of the human spirit when confronted with the incomprehensible. For those who seek a unique cinematic experience that combines warfare, the supernatural, and a touch of existential contemplation, The Objective is a must-watch movie.