Directed by
Daniel Myrick
Made by
IFC Films
In the harsh terrain of Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, a highly skilled U.S. Army Special Forces unit led by the experienced Chief Warrant Officer Wally Hamer, alongside Master-Sergeant Kenny Tanner and a capable trio of non-commissioned officers including Sergeants Vince Degetau, Joe Trinoski, Tim Cole, and Pete Sadler, joins forces with CIA operative Benjamin Keynes. Their mission is crucial: to locate the elusive Afghan cleric, Mohammed Aban, whose influence is shrouded in mystery. Hamer carefully briefs his team, emphasizing the seriousness of their task as they prepare for the challenging terrain and potential dangers that await them.
Upon their arrival in the region, the Special Forces members team up with Abdul, a local guide well-versed in navigating the rugged landscape. Together, they embark on a perilous expedition into the mountains, where Aban’s legendary ability to conceal himself has made his existence almost mythical. As they traverse the unforgiving terrain, teamwork, mutual trust, and adaptability become vital in overcoming the numerous obstacles that arise.
As the team delves deeper into the dangerous mountain landscape, they are unexpectedly ambushed by violent assailants, leading to the heartbreaking loss of Trinoski. Although they respond with force and take down several attackers, a chilling mystery unfolds when the bodies inexplicably disappear, leaving a cloak of unease in their wake. That night, a strange glow captures their attention, transforming into two inexplicable lights that launch into the sky and vanish.
In the midst of grappling with this eerie occurrence, they attempt to call for a resupply helicopter, only to find their communication equipment malfunctioning. The hardships mount as their already battered truck struggles to navigate the harsh terrain. As night descends, they hear distant helicopter noises, yet their own communication remains dead silent. In a desperate attempt to signal for help, they attempt to send a distress flare but are met only with silence.
Frustration simmers among the team as they choose to cache Trinoski’s body and seek refuge in a safer location. However, morning brings a new horror: the gruesome remnants of Trinoski’s violent end lay scattered across the rocky outcroppings. As they progress, they discover unsettling triangular markers crafted from sticks, hinting at supernatural forces at work.
Through mounting physical and mental fatigue, they stumble upon a cave, providing temporary shelter and a chance to regain their strength. Inside, they encounter an enigmatic old man who offers them food and drink. Notably, Sergeant Sadler observes something curious beneath the old man’s garments – a piece of a British army uniform from the 19th century.
Sadler recounts the tale of a British regiment that vanished in the Afghan mountains, sparking further intrigue among his comrades. The following morning, Sergeant Cole witnesses the old man seemingly conversing with himself. Peering through his night vision goggles, he is startled by the sight of robed figures carrying swords.
In a moment of panic, Cole opens fire, inadvertently hitting the old man. Amidst the chaos, Abdul urges the team to bury their unfortunate host, while Keynes asserts the need to move forward, concerned that they may attract unwanted attention. As they push onward, Degetau begins to experience intense stomach pains.
Attempting to alleviate his thirst, he finds his canteen inexplicably filled with sand, a grim reflection of their dire situation. The group’s fear escalates as they stumble upon an uncanny valley that appears to have materialized out of thin air. Tensions heighten when they are confronted by a blinding light during the night.
As Tanner and Cole investigate the source, they are instantly vaporized into oblivion. The next morning, Abdul warns Keynes that they have inadvertently ventured into something incomprehensible. The medic’s despair culminates in a tragic act as he steps off a ledge, overwhelmed by the weight of their grim reality.
As the soldiers’ anxieties reach a boiling point, they confront Keynes for answers. In a moment of eerie calmness, Keynes reveals a thermal imaging recording showcasing the shocking truth: a triangular entity hovering just beyond their sight, with several figures, including Mohammed Aban, converging upon it and disappearing from existence. This revelation—linked to the CIA’s ongoing study of these phenomena since the 1980s—shakes the team to their core as they realize their expedition has been covertly monitored, adding a layer of conspiracy to their harrowing journey.
Keynes theorizes that this otherworldly force ties back to ancient Indian mythology involving ‘Vimanas’, suggesting that the eerie lights and apparitions are manifestations of an age-old power. Distressingly, Keynes coldly suggests they are expendable, fostering distrust among the ranks. This tension reaches a critical point when the team leader mysteriously disappears at dawn, casting a shadow of dread over the remaining soldiers.
As their supply dwindles dangerously low, they delve even further into the merciless desert landscape, driven by an insatiable curiosity. There, they encounter the mythical vimanas at the site of the British regiment’s tragic fate. Overcome with panic, Sadler opens fire into the unseen vessels, only to be swiftly incinerated. Abandoning their comrade, Keynes and Degetau flee, haunted by the gut-wrenching screams echoing through the desert night.
On the verge of collapse, Keynes discovers an oasis, its cool waters a brief sanctuary amid the aridity. His relief, however, is shattered by the chilling sight of Hamer’s lifeless body nearby. Overwhelmed, he succumbs to unconsciousness. Upon awakening, the distant sound of a helicopter draws him into action as he fires a flare gun in sheer desperation. In a simultaneous display, flares erupt from the valley below, illuminating the landscape in blinding light. As the mysterious phenomenon reappears, two ethereal beings emerge from its radiant center, propelling Keynes into a trance that replays his past encounters.
In this altered state, he finds himself suspended above a hospital bed, clutching the talisman he had obtained from Aban’s dwelling. Observing from a sterile room, medical professionals and a military officer express a mix of fascination and apprehension. While in this trance, Keynes utters the chilling words: > “It will save us all…” The film concludes by pulling back to reveal Keynes’ wife, who is left in a state of suspense, oblivious to the dreadful fate that awaits him, her words underscoring the profound uncertainty surrounding his fate.
Mission Briefing
In the harsh terrain of Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, a skilled U.S. Army Special Forces unit is gathered. Chief Warrant Officer Wally Hamer emphasizes the importance of their mission to locate the elusive Afghan cleric, Mohammed Aban, preparing the team for the dangerous journey ahead.
Arrival and Alliance
Upon arriving in the region, the Special Forces team partners with Abdul, a local guide skilled in navigating the rugged landscape. Together, they embark on a dangerous expedition into the mountainous terrain, anticipating the challenges that lie ahead.
Ambush and Loss
The team's journey takes a tragic turn when they are ambushed by violent assailants, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of Sergeant Joe Trinoski. In response, the team fights back, taking down several attackers, but they are left unsettled as the bodies mysteriously disappear.
Eerie Lights
That night, the team's attention is caught by strange lights glowing in the night sky. As they watch in disbelief, the lights transform and launch into the sky, leaving them puzzled about their origin and purpose.
Communication Breakdown
As the team attempts to call for a resupply helicopter, they discover their communication equipment has malfunctioned. Their frustration grows as their only means of external contact vanishes, trapping them further in their dire situation.
Cache and Retreat
Frustrated by their lack of progress and their fallen comrade, the team decides to cache Trinoski's body and move to a safer location. However, their situation worsens when they discover remnants of his violent end scattered in the morning light.
Mysterious Markings
While navigating the treacherous landscape, the team encounters unsettling triangular markers made from sticks. These markers heighten their sense of unease, suggesting that supernatural forces might be involved in their ordeal.
The Old Man's Offer
Seeking temporary shelter, the team finds a cave where they meet an enigmatic old man who offers them food and drink. Sergeant Pete Sadler observes a piece of a 19th-century British army uniform he finds under the old man's clothing, igniting intrigue about the past.
Visions and Fears
The morning brings unsettling visions as Sergeant Cole sees robed figures with swords through his night vision goggles. In a moment of panic, he accidentally shoots the old man, escalating tensions within the team and deepening their fears.
Stomach Illness and Sand
As struggles continue, Sergeant Vince Degetau suffers from intense stomach pains. In a desperate attempt for relief, he discovers his canteen filled with sand rather than water, symbolizing their deteriorating situation and growing despair.
Tragic Disappearance
The group encounters a strange valley, and tensions heighten when Tanner and Cole investigate a blinding light. In a terrifying turn of events, they are vaporized, leaving the remaining team members in shock and horror as they grapple with their fate.
The Distress Signal
Desperate to survive, the team finds an oasis but is met with the sight of Chief Warrant Officer Hamer’s lifeless body. In a moment of distress, Keynes fires a flare gun to signal for help, igniting a sudden blinding light that prompts both fear and hope.
The Visionary Encounter
In a trance-like state following the flare's ignition, Keynes experiences a surreal vision from above as he witnesses medical professionals reacting to his past. He clutches the talisman from Aban’s dwelling, uttering the cryptic phrase: 'It will save us all...'
Unresolved Fate
The film concludes with a pull back to Keynes' wife waiting in suspense for her husband's return. Unbeknownst to her, a dreadful fate awaits him as the eerie mystery of their experience hangs over her, reflecting the uncertainty of what has transpired.
Wally Hamer
As the Chief Warrant Officer, Wally Hamer exemplifies leadership and strategic thinking under pressure. He is experienced and composed, tasked with guiding his team through one of their most perilous missions. Hamer's commitment to his soldiers underscores the weight of responsibility he carries, even when faced with unfathomable situations.
Kenny Tanner
Master-Sergeant Kenny Tanner is characterized by his loyalty and physical endurance, serving as a reliable support for his team. He often faces inner conflict amid the chaos, balancing his duty to protect his comrades with the looming sense of danger. Tanner's courage becomes evident as he navigates both the external threats and emotional turmoil.
Benjamin Keynes
As a CIA operative, Benjamin Keynes embodies a complex mix of authority and ambiguity. His knowledge of the situation gives him an edge, but he also harbors secrets that create tension within the team. Keynes's character evolves into one of moral conflict, torn between duty and the enigmatic forces at play.
Abdul
Abdul serves as the local guide, bringing invaluable knowledge of the terrain. His adaptability and familiarity with the region are critical, yet he also embodies the tensions that arise from cultural differences. Abdul's character provides a lens through which the soldiers must navigate their foreign environment, highlighting both trust and suspicion.
Tim Cole
Sergeant Tim Cole is a pragmatic and resourceful member of the team. His ability to stay calm under pressure often becomes a stabilizing force among his comrades. However, as events unfold, Cole's resolve is tested when faced with the inexplicable horrors that challenge both his sanity and loyalty.
Time period
The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, featuring modern military operations contrasted against the backdrop of Afghanistan's ancient history. This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing conflicts that have existed in the region, reflecting the complex interplay between modern warfare and historical narratives.
Location
Ghazni Province, Afghanistan
Ghazni Province is known for its rugged and unforgiving terrain, characterized by high mountains and arid deserts. This region presents numerous challenges for those who traverse its landscape, often becoming a focal point in military operations due to its strategic significance. The historical and cultural richness of the area adds an element of mystery, particularly in relation to its ancient lore and tales of lost regiments.
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Survival
The theme of survival permeates throughout the film, as the characters grapple with both physical and psychological challenges. Their fight against the harsh elements and the unsettling presence of the unknown pushes them to their limits. This struggle for survival reveals their resilience, as well as the impact of fear and chaos on camaraderie.
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Mysticism
Mysticism plays a crucial role in the narrative, intertwining the characters' military mission with elements of the supernatural. The presence of mythical beings, strange occurrences, and the influence of ancient Indian mythology raise questions about reality and perception. This theme reflects humanity's fascination with the unknown and the boundaries between life and death.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as secrets and hidden agendas unravel amidst the chaos. The chilling suggestion that the soldiers are considered expendable by their own leadership fosters distrust within the group. This theme underscores the precarious nature of alliances in warfare, revealing how fear can lead to division.
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