In the Valley of Elah 2007
Directed by
Paul Haggis
Plot Summary
On November 1, 2004, Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones), a gravel trucker and a retired military police sergeant, receives the unsettling news that his son Mike (Jonathan Tucker), a soldier recently back from Iraq, has gone missing. Hank, who lives in Tennessee with his wife Joan (Susan Sarandon), immediately drives to Mike’s base in New Mexico to launch his own search. Before leaving, Hank assists a school custodian in raising the American flag correctly, showcasing his values.
Upon arriving at Fort Rudd, Hank meets Sergeant First Class Dan Carnelli (James Franco) and goes through his son’s belongings, secretly taking Mike’s cell phone. As he reviews the corrupted video files with the help of a hacker, he tries to file a missing person’s report with Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), but finds himself hampered by procedure and an uncooperative police department. Emily faces her own struggles as she deals with male colleagues who belittle her for being a woman and voicing opinions in a male-dominated homicide unit.
After a gruesome discovery of Mike’s burned and dismembered body, it becomes clear that the military believes his death is drug-related, particularly with the evidence found near his remains. Hank persuades Emily to investigate the crime scene, where they uncover discrepancies regarding the color of a vehicle seen near the murder. Although the Military Police claim jurisdiction, Hank feels the army is intent on protecting its own, thereby complicating the investigation.
Emily invites Hank to dinner, where he recounts to her son the Biblical tale of David versus Goliath, an apt metaphor for his ongoing quest for the truth. When a bartender named Eve (Frances Fisher) identifies Mike’s squad mate CPL Steve Penning (Wes Chatham), new leads come to light about the night of Mike’s death. Through a series of interviews, Hank and Emily discover that Mike had been drinking and socializing with his squad just before tragedy struck.
Despite growing evidence pointing to his son’s comrades as potential perpetrators, Hank struggles to believe that his son’s fellow soldiers could take such treacherous actions against him. As frustrating truths unfold, such as the discovery of an AWOL soldier with ties to the case, Hank takes matters into his own hands, confronting suspects and piecing together Mike’s last hours.
Eventually, the investigation leads to a shocking climax. Bonner (Jake McLaughlin) is found dead under suspicious circumstances, intensifying the scrutiny on Mike’s squad. Through smart detective work, Emily aptly connects the pieces of the puzzle, revealing that Mike was indeed murdered by his comrades in a senseless act of violence. As more confessions come to light, Penning admits to the stabbing, providing heartbreaking implications about the nature of their military camaraderie.
Haunted by regrets and memories of his son, Hank reflects on their last conversation—one that will linger with him indefinitely. As he collects Mike’s belongings, he faces Ortiz and acknowledges the turmoil both he and the military endure. The story culminates in an emotionally charged moment as Hank returns home, only to discover that Joan has opened Mike’s last package, revealing a photograph of his squad, along with an American flag. In a poignant tribute, Hank flies his son’s flag upside down at the local school, signaling distress and honoring Mike’s tragic fate.
Timeline
Hank Receives Disturbing News
On November 1, 2004, Hank Deerfield receives heartbreaking news that his son Mike, a soldier recently returned from Iraq, has gone missing. This news prompts Hank to take immediate action, driven by worry and a sense of duty to uncover the truth about his son's disappearance.
Hank Heads to New Mexico
Determined to find Mike, Hank drives to Fort Rudd in New Mexico, where Mike was stationed. His journey is filled with anticipation and dread as he prepares to confront the military and uncover the circumstances surrounding his son's last days.
Meeting Sergeant Carnelli
Upon his arrival at Fort Rudd, Hank meets Sergeant First Class Dan Carnelli, who provides him some insight into the situation. This meeting is pivotal for Hank, as it marks the beginning of his involvement in searching for the truth about his son.
Reviewing Mike's Belongings
Hank goes through Mike's personal belongings and secretly takes his cell phone. This act signifies Hank’s desperation to gather any information that might lead him to his missing son.
Struggles with Law Enforcement
Hank attempts to file a missing person's report with Detective Emily Sanders but is met with bureaucratic obstacles and an uncooperative police force. This experience frustrates Hank and reflects the systemic issues he faces as a father seeking answers.
Discovery of Mike's Body
A devastating turn of events occurs when Hank learns that Mike's burned and dismembered body has been found. The military asserts that the death is drug-related, but Hank's instincts tell him there's a deeper story that needs to be uncovered.
Investigation Commences
Hank convinces Emily Sanders to investigate the crime scene together. They begin to uncover discrepancies in witness accounts, particularly concerning a vehicle seen near where Mike's body was discovered, suggesting intentional cover-ups.
Dinner and Storytelling
Emily invites Hank to dinner, where he shares with her son the story of David versus Goliath. This biblical metaphor reflects Hank’s resolve to pursue justice for Mike, highlighting the obstacles they face against a powerful military establishment.
New Leads Emerge
While at a bar, bartender Eve identifies Mike's squad mate, CPL Steve Penning. This identification provides Hank and Emily with new leads and insights into Mike's final hours before his tragic death, increasing the urgency of their investigation.
Shocking Revelations
Through persistent interviews, Hank and Emily discover troubling evidence pointing to Mike’s comrades as possible suspects. This revelation shakes Hank to his core, as he comes to grips with the betrayal from those he thought he could trust.
Confronting Suspects
Frustrated with the lack of progress, Hank takes matters into his own hands and confronts several suspects. This direct approach highlights Hank's desperation and determination to uncover the truth about his son’s brutal murder.
Climactic Discovery
The investigation leads to the shocking discovery of Bonner's dead body, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mike's death. This turn of events escalates the tension, as the military's involvement becomes increasingly suspicious.
Confessions and Truths
As Hank and Emily continue their investigation, CPL Penning eventually admits his role in Mike’s murder. This confession brings a heartbreaking conclusion to Hank's quest for justice, unveiling the tragic reality of betrayal within the military.
Hank's Emotional Reflection
Haunted by thoughts of his son, Hank reflects on their last conversation. This moment of introspection emphasizes the emotional weight of his journey, as he grapples with loss, betrayal, and the harsh truths uncovered in his search for justice.
Final Tribute to Mike
Returning home, Hank discovers that Joan has opened Mike's last package, revealing a photo of his squad and an American flag. In a poignant tribute, he displays the flag upside down at the local school, signaling distress and honoring his son's tragic fate.
Characters
Hank Deerfield
Hank is a determined and grieving father, portrayed as a rugged individualist with a deep sense of duty. His military background drives his relentless pursuit of the truth when his son goes missing. As he navigates a complex web of evidence and suspicion, Hank's character embodies both resilience and vulnerability in the face of bureaucratic indifference.
Emily Sanders
Detective Emily Sanders is a competent and determined officer, challenged by the male-dominated environment of her homicide unit. As she works alongside Hank, she navigates her own struggles for respect while pushing for justice. Emily's character is marked by her courage and dedication, reflecting the broader theme of female empowerment within the story.
Mike Deerfield
Mike is a soldier whose life is tragically cut short, serving as the catalyst for the film's emotional and investigative journey. Although he is not present for much of the film, the impact of his character is felt deeply through Hank's memories and the unfolding investigation. His story brings to light the vulnerabilities faced by soldiers returning home from combat.
Setting
Time period
2004
Set in November 2004, the film captures a period marked by the lasting effects of the Iraq War on American soldiers and their families. It highlights the societal struggles, including the stigma around veterans and the difficulties in addressing military-related crimes. This timeframe serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of duty, honor, and the harsh realities of war.
Location
Tennessee, New Mexico
The film predominantly takes place in Tennessee, where Hank Deerfield resides, showcasing the picturesque yet somber atmosphere of rural America. New Mexico serves as the military base where his son, Mike, has been stationed, reflecting the harsh realities faced by soldiers returning from overseas. The contrast between the tranquility of Hank's home and the tension of the military setting underscores the film's themes of grief and justice.
Themes
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Justice
The quest for justice is a central theme, as Hank Deerfield embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind his son's death. His struggle against bureaucratic obstacles and military indifference showcases the challenge faced by families seeking accountability. The film emphasizes the moral complexities of loyalty and the price of seeking justice in a system that often protects its own.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, as Hank grapples with the devastating reality of losing his son. The emotional weight of their last conversation and Hank's vigil over Mike's belongings reflect the profound grief that soldiers' families endure. This theme is powerfully illustrated through Hank's actions and the ultimate tribute he pays to his son.
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Betrayal
Betrayal unfolds as Hank uncovers that his son's comrades may be behind the senseless violence. The film explores the dark side of military camaraderie, revealing the deep fractures in trust within a unit. This theme poses difficult questions about loyalty and the lengths that individuals are willing to go to protect one another or themselves.
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