Tropic Sprockets / War Game

By Ian Brockway

Tony Gerber (We Will Rise) and Jesse Moss (The Overnighters) direct “War Game” a documentary that is arguably the most sobering and disturbing film of the year. [Showtimes and trailer at Tropiccinema.com.]

It concerns a group of officials duplicating the scenario of January 6th as a stress test exercise to prevent and troubleshoot, initiated by the group Vet Voice Foundation.

Sober it is but it is also thorough, containing uncomfortable truth.

Right from the first second we are in the thick of it. In a contested election, the President (Steve Bullock) gets word that Protesters are massing on the Capitol by the thousands. The question: how to respond?

Bullock is surrounded by real life officials Wesley Clarke, former Senator Heidi Heitkamp and politician Doug Jones. For the purpose of the game, a militia group takes responsibility, instigated by fictional lone wolf but real-life vet Kris Goldsmith.

In between the role play, the actual Goldsmith opens up about his fear of an authoritarian coup actually happening, and his PTSD. Goldsmith served in Iraq. These segments are the most piercing and heartfelt images in the film.

The compelling documentary is hindered by the endless military speak and jargon given by these officials. At midpoint it becomes a challenge.

Still, this sadly is no board game and all too real as most everyone can grasp.

According to the film, our military is the most vulnerable to extremism due to issues of PTSD anxiety, self-esteem issues, and combat fatigue. With fragility and lack of cohesion in this digital era, misinformation spreads like a neon virus with a supernatural rapidity.

Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman appears near the end as a game-master. He stands as a sentient guardian, impassive and resolute.

This is no feel-good film or popcorn flick, making for some extremely arduous viewing. Regardless, it reveals what is fearsome and fragile within the country.

Write Ian at [email protected]

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