Hyena 2015

In the rugged landscapes of Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, a squad of Canadian soldiers, commanded by Ryan, is stationed to monitor the safety of a vital road. Unbeknownst to them, danger lurks ahead. Upon spotting signs of peril, they desperately signal another troop to keep their distance. Just moments later, chaos ensues as an explosion rattles the ground, and a hail of gunfire erupts from enemy forces. Seeking refuge, the Canadians barricade themselves in a nearby compound, where a mysterious elder, known as The Ghost, assures them of their safety despite the language barrier, thanks to his two strikingly different colored eyes. Among the civilians are two innocent young girls who bear witness to the unfolding turmoil.

Upon returning to their base, Captain Mitchell grows curious about the enigmatic elder, determined to express his gratitude. Through a series of investigations, it becomes clear that this elder is The Ghost, a seasoned fighter from the Soviet-Afghan war, who has earned his nickname through his uncanny ability to survive against all odds. Meanwhile, Bashir Daoud Khan, or BDK, is a local warlord with a penchant for cruelty.

A subsequent visit to Kandahar City brings violence to the forefront as innocents fall victim to conflict. The Canadian forces grapple with the harrowing task of distinguishing between the guilty and the innocent, leading to a heartbreaking dilemma involving an 11-year-old boy. Ryan and Mitchell manage to meet with The Ghost, and during their exchange, Mitchell presents him with money, unaware of the complexities in the elder’s identity, as well as the legends surrounding him. The Ghost, claiming his roots trace back 5000 years, adds layers of intrigue to his character, while the interpreter hints at an ancient civilization that predates Islam.

Amidst the chaos, Ryan navigates personal strife, as he is in a relationship with Captain Bowman, who operates communications for their unit from afar. The tension mounts when she reveals her pregnancy, complicating their circumstances further.

During a ceremony connected to Hyena Road, The Ghost is invited, but varying locations for the meeting raise concerns over its interpretation. The narrative thickens when the Canadians discover that BDK has power over the land where The Ghost provided shelter, invoking his son Abdul, a farmer ensnared by BDK’s financial demands. In a shocking turn, BDK kidnaps Abdul’s daughters, but the nearby snipers are unable to intervene. This leads to a dire objective: rescuing the innocent girls.

In a brutal confrontation, The Ghost exacts revenge by killing BDK’s son, and with the financial aid given to him, he aids the Canadians in their hunt for BDK. Their encounter turns violent, leading to The Ghost displaying BDK’s son’s head as a warning just before BDK prepares to reciprocate the threat. A sniper intervenes, but this act of violence raises ethical questions about honor and the ramifications for The Ghost.

With children discovered imprisoned within a building, the Canadian soldiers launch a rescue. However, Ryan and The Ghost find themselves ensnared by enemy fire, and with support too far away, their lives hang in the balance. The only path to survival may require self-sacrifice.

Earlier, Ryan and Jennifer contemplated their future; now, with the weight of their fate pressing down, they resort to a final communication over the radio as a cannon is fired in their direction.

Ultimately, both Ryan and The Ghost are honored in their respective aftermaths—Ryan is memorialized with Canadian flags and bagpipes, while The Ghost receives a more subdued tribute amidst the haunting silence of the desert, marking the end of their intertwined journeys.