Blood Stripe (2016)

Blood Stripe: Directed by Remy Auberjonois. With Chris Sullivan, Rene Auberjonois, Tom Lipinski, Rusty Schwimmer. The trials and tribulations of a female combat veteran and her battle with vigorous PTSD.

“I had the privilege of seeing this film at 2016 Twin Cities Film Fest. Right from its opening scene when the filmu0026#39;s protagonist first touched down on the airport, I was immediately intrigued by her. Known only as Our Sergeant, she just returned home to Minnesota from her military duty. The film didnu0026#39;t specify which country she was placed in, though later she did talk about her time in Iraq and Afghanistan. The film isnu0026#39;t political, nor does it point finger about the cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) many soldiers suffer. Itu0026#39;s a story about a combat vet who happens to be a female Marine, and the trials and tribulations she goes through in the film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDespite the dark subject matter, the film is far from somber. Itu0026#39;s effortlessly engaging, thanks to Kate Nowlinu0026#39;s immense screen presence. She is tough, powerful yet vulnerable, and Nowlin embodied her character so beautifully. I have to admit Iu0026#39;m not really into war-themed films in general, but Iu0026#39;ve always been drawn to those that focus on the psychological aspect of the soldiers, i.e. u0026#39;The Thin Red Lineu0026#39;. But u0026#39;Blood Stripeu0026#39; captures the brutality of war without actually showing it. Itu0026#39;s a mental torture that the u0026#39;Sargeu0026#39; endured, at times sheu0026#39;s on the brink of losing it, and itu0026#39;s a truly haunting performance. Director Remy Auberjonois contrasted that mental torment with the striking serenity of Lake Vermilion in Northern Minnesota.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI was truly in awe by Nowlinu0026#39;s extraordinary performance. She also co-wrote the script so she must have spent a lot of time with her character, but itu0026#39;s still quite a feat given that she had no military training prior to taking on this project. I also appreciate the fact that the film utilized all of the supporting cast well, as each had their moment to shine. Chris Sullivan was terrific as Sargeu0026#39;s husband, as was Rusty Schwimmer who played the campu0026#39;s caretaker where Sarge worked. Tom Lipinski also did a memorable turn as The Fisherman who befriended Sarge. Last but not least, weu0026#39;ve got the venerable character actor René Auberjonois as the church elder Art whou0026#39;s the comic relief in the film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s so rare to see female soldiers being depicted on the big screen and I think Nowlinu0026#39;s portrayal does them justice. The enigmatic ending lingers long after the opening credits, this film certainly adds the conversation to the topic of PTSD in a compelling way.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003e– FlixChatter.net”