WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Counting down the days until arrival. Not arrival just anywhere–arrival home. When the anticipation is palpable and the distance weighing down like a tangible force, it only makes the expectation and longing grow deeper. For one USMC wife (Mandy Moody), this reality could not be more real. With her Marine-based husband (Chris Gouchoe) thousands of miles away, their only ability to connect lies with words of love, urgency, and even a little playfulness over a small, Skype-initiated call spanning the chasm of space separating them. Yet, the time is slowly approaching where he will be coming back to her, their life, and their future together. Yes, home sweet home it will be–at peace, settled, moving forward.
On a routine patrol in the arid deserts of their Middle East post, the unthinkable occurs to this Marine and his companions as they are walk through a deserted road. IED. As the explosion rocks the group, the aftermath can only be surmised amidst the smoke, debris, and shouting. Word travels back Stateside to his wife, at school teaching class, suddenly interrupted with the devastating news. But, as they rush to the hospital, the news is good and harrowing–her husband is alive, but severely wounded. As the days proceeding this shock ebb and flow, it becomes a blur of surgery, rehab, and simply facing the reality of existence altered forever. Through pain, frustration, and determined support, both he and she rise above.
Next, my Mind:
May we never, ever, ever grow weary of films that involve stories which hit so close to our hearts, prayers, hopes, encouragements, and open championing of the awesome, dedicated, steadfast, bold, and dauntless soldiers fighting for our freedom. Writer/director/producer/editor Chris King’s 11-minute short film absolutely encompasses, with full conviction and intent, this image of our military’s wounded vets, the struggles they face within themselves, plus the so often hard decisions and actualities their spouses encounter when trying to just be there wholeheartedly and with the best amount of understanding they can in the healing/recovery process. Excellent cinematography captures every emotionally-charged moment with poise and design–the shared long-distance call, the horror of the IED, the rehab, to a birthday homecoming.
Moody’s performance as the Wife is heartfelt, soulful, and completely filled with believable reactions one would associate with each stage of the circumstances being depicted. From the assumed, barely containable, yet wonderfully innocent, love expressed towards her husband, the total anguish of learning about his injuries, to the challenging fortitude displayed trying to move forward with him, Moody embodies it all with passion. Gouchoe likewise portrays his Marine as the tough, hardened soldier he is, but with the additional indications and moments that illustrate how deep his heart, tenderness, and commitment to his wife runs. Even more engaging are the post-IED sequences, witnessing the realizations he encounters with his injuries, the internal battles, and trying to come to terms with who he still is regardless of his physical state. The two actors together carry such poignant weight in their interactions, and trust me, you will be moved to tears.
In total, “Birthday” serves as both a sobering reminder about the unfortunate tragedies of war, but also becomes a narrative that inspires in seeing the resolute spirit, courage, and stout-heartedness of both veterans and their spouses to overcome the adversity and find a new reason to be thankful for the truly American virtues of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The road to reach this isn’t always clear or easy, but again, this reviewer stands and salutes all those soldiers and their spouses who fight for this each and every day. You are in our minds, souls, and prayers. Thank you for your service.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
