Customer Reviews

The Dry Land

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A candid, intense indie film about the destructive effects of post-traumatic stress disorder with first-rate performances by Ryan O'Nan (James), America Ferrera (Sarah), Melissa Leo (James' mother) & the rest of the cast. Only minutes into the story it becomes obvious that James is haunted by some disturbing experiences during his tour in the Iraq War. The rest of the film delves into James' painful quest to come to grips with the events that have shaken his psyche and seem to propel him into out-of-control situations that range from violent tyrades with Sarah, his friends & even himself. Without revealing the specific events that unfold as the film progresses, I urge viewers to watch the film with the commentary AFTER watching the movie to discover the efforts by the screenwriter & 1st-time director (Ryan Piers Williams) & America Ferrera (lead actress & co-executive producer) to portray the impacts of PTSD authentically. There are some light moments in the film that not only help to break the intensity of the drama but also to show some of the wild emotional outlets that soldiers engage in to help them cope with the stress, pain & fear of war. All in all, the film is a gem.

I'm a huge fan of this small, realistic, superbly rendered directorial debut from Texas native Ryan Piers Williams. Williams' thoughtful script and film bores in on the pain and fallout of PTSD, both in terms of the guilt and heaviness carried by the afflicted - here portrayed vividly by lead Ryan O'Nan, who is outstanding in every way - and the waves of impact he spreads slowly, then suddenly, over friends and family.

The ensemble is uniformly excellent. As mentioned, lead O'Nan is a revelation. The radiant and talented America Ferrera is here, too, as winning as ever. Not only is she the lead actress, she's also the film's executive producer. She'd not set out to appear in the film, but decided to do so when she and Mr. Williams (the two, who met at USC Film School, are engaged to be married) realized that her presence on-screen would make the film stand out amongst other film festival submissions.

We had the stroke of good fortune to see 'The Dry Land' at the 2010 Dallas International Film Festival. Williams, O'Nan and Ms. Ferrara spoke to the audience after the film (we'd missed Wilmer Valderrama - he appeared at a previous showing and caused, as you can imagine, a bit of a commotion). It was there we learned of the filmmakers' assiduous efforts to gain the military's support for their production.

In fact, a visit to Walter Reed Hospital figures prominently in film and it was clearly done with the backing of the armed forces. Moreover, the film was shown to warm and enthusiastic receptions in military bases across the country. One could truthfully say that the film has made a meaningful contribution to the US military's move down the 'road of evolution' towards acceptance of the true, insidious character of PTSD. As the film shows, it's not just in your head, and it's not a sign of weakness.

Another actor worth special mention: Diego Klattenhoff, amazing as Henry. O'Nan's and Valderrama's characters make a multi-state road trip to see their erstwhile company-mate now in a sorry physical state - not to mention a precarious mental one - at Walter Reed. It's Diego's Henry who indelibly brings to the surface the memory that O'Nan's James has tried so desperately to bury.

I urge all fans of quality independent cinema to support this tremendous film.

This really is a great and tragic film. The acting is superb, the story great, but the story is dark and does not have a happy ending for anyone. I loved this film but it took a stepping back, thinking about it and then going back for another view. If this had "A" list actors/actresses in it, it would be in the running for Oscar contention as I put this film in the same category as Deer Hunter. It is a near perfect film. It is believable, and does not hold back. It is a small film but every penny is on the screen. I cannot recommend this film enough.

I highly recommend Dry Land to anyone who has or has had a loved one in either Iraq or Afghanistan!