THE DRY LAND
By: John ’Doc’ Strange
Written and Directed by: Ryan Piers Williams
Starring: Ryan O'Nan, America Ferrera, Wilmer Valderrama, Jason Ritter
MPAA Rating: R (for pervasive language, sexual content and disturbing violent situations)
Selig Rating: Full Price
Runtime: 92 Min.
James (Ryan O'Nan) has returned home from Iraq to his home in El Paso and his loving wife, Sarah (America Ferrera). He is deeply troubled by events that happened to him but unable to talk about it to his family and friends because he can’t remember any details. The more he tries to remember the worse he feels. His relationship with Sarah and his family deteriorates steadily as the days go by.
He receives a letter from Raymond Gonzales (Wilmer Valderrama), his fellow soldier and friend from Iraq. After Sarah leaves him to protect herself from James’ growing desperation to know the truth leads him to go on a road trip.
First stop, Raymond’s home, to convince his friend to accompany him on the trip. The two travel to Walter Reed Army hospital to talk to Henry (Diego Klattenhoff), the only other survivor of their squad. Henry tells James what Raymond refused to tell, what happened that fateful day.
This is a film that does not pull punches or shade the truth. It is not pro-war or anti-war. It is simply a statement of the troubles our young soldiers are experiencing when they go to war. This truth is not related to only one war or police action. It has existed since man fist battled against man. It is worse now because medical science is doing more to heal the bodies, if not so well at healing the minds of our soldiers.
The performances of Ryan O’Nan, America Ferrera, and Wilmer Valderrama are excellent. After listening to the Q&A which followed the screening I attended, I found that the script was researched by Ryan Piers Williams over several years. His script struck a strong cord with America and Wilmer. It struck a strong one with me, too. I think you will be affected by this film as well.
Movie Site: http://www.thedrylandmovie.com/
