A war drama that captures the haunting, humdrum rhythms of post-combat trauma
In short: The Yellow Birds, a 2017 film adaptation of Kevin Powers' novel, explores the psychological toll of the Iraq War through two soldiers. While the narrative follows their harrowing deployment and a soldier's difficult return home, critics remain divided on whether its familiar structure undermines its powerful, naturalistic performances.
Directed by Alexandre Moors, The Yellow Birds centers on the friendship between Brandon Bartle and Daniel Murphy, two soldiers from Virginia. Their bond is forged during basic training, but the reality of the Iraq War fractures their lives. Upon deployment, they serve under the troubled Sergeant Sterling, whose presence shadows their experience. The film weaves between their time in Iraq and Bartle’s subsequent struggle with PTSD in Richmond, Virginia, where he must confront a promise made to Murphy’s mother, Maureen, to personally deliver news of her son’s fate.
The production history of the film was marked by significant shifts. David Lowery initially adapted the screenplay and was slated to direct, but scheduling conflicts with Pete's Dragon led to his departure. Alexandre Moors took over, bringing in his Blue Caprice screenwriter R.F.I. Porto to revise the script. Casting also saw changes, with Jack Huston and Alden Ehrenreich replacing Benedict Cumberbatch and Will Poulter. Principal photography began in Morocco in October 2015 and concluded in January 2016.
Upon its release, the film received mixed critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 44% approval rating, with critics noting that while the cast—including Toni Collette, Jennifer Aniston, and Tye Sheridan—delivers strong, naturalistic performances, the story often feels clichéd. Some reviewers, such as Jeannette Catsoulis, argued that the film’s deliberate, almost humdrum pacing is an intentional stylistic choice, while others felt it struggled to distinguish itself within the broader genre of war cinema. Despite these critiques, the cinematography by Daniel Landin and the acting of the leads were frequently highlighted as standout elements of the production.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Yellow Birds (film)
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