Written and directed by Wilfred La Salle, U.S. Marine Jose Torres returns home after the military discovers his addiction, and he is administratively separated from service. He’s reunited with his wife and young son, and ready to rebuild their life together. But just shortly after his homecoming, tragedy strikes. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt, Jose tries to cope with the unbearable pain, leading to a downward spiral leaving him homeless on the streets of New York City, where he crosses paths with Maxwell Cade, a compassionate CEO, who wants to help him get back on his feet. Starring: Yanko Valentin, Lancelot E. Theobald Jr., Michael DeSimone, Morris Napolitano, Kyle Bland, Carlos E Feliciano, Ieda Favo, Igor Malinovsky, and Yuliana Sleme.
When The Veteran opens, you’re greeted with its old-school storytelling style, it extends an invitation to sit and experience Jose Torres’ (Yanko Valentin)story and the lessons it holds within. There’s a classically wholesome tone to that choice, and that’s something which is reflected with Wilfred La Salle’s style on the whole, creating something that delves into complex topics but does so in a purposefully accessible manner.
That’s really where the heart of The Veteran lies, in taking things firmly down to earth, keeping it simple. Something which La Salle employs all throughout the film, both visually and thematically, it’s dedicated to being humble and creating a warmth, rather than going for pure shock, scandal or harsh grit. The style is crafted to help you relate to the plight of Jose, and to make you think about how you can make a difference.
The Veteran takes a compassionate view in a time where there’s a severe lack of sympathy and empathy, particularly when it comes to the homeless, something which impacts a harrowing number of veterans. Although, the real crux of the film lies with the issue of addiction, its origins and the desperate lack of any help whatsoever, particularly for veterans who have additional vulnerability with injuries, PTSD and the struggle to transition back to civilian life.
One of the strongest elements of The Veteran’s story is highlighting how easily opioids are prescribed and how devastating the consequences can be. Ultimately, blaming the injured party for becoming addicted to something which was prescribed to help them, rather than providing them with a path out of that addiction. Highlighting how medical care can often be short-term solutions with long-term problems, and then dealing with the consequences, rather than trying to prevent them in the first place. It’s an extremely relevant issue with the opioid epidemic in the United States and La Salle approaches it in an everyday manner.
The other side of the story comes in the form of Lancelot E. Theobald Jr.’s Maxwell and the idea of wealth being used for good rather than just to create more wealth. Exploring the difference that can be made by putting that money to use with charities who help those in need. Again, another very relevant issue with the rising number of billionaires in today’s society. Maxwell’s path could perhaps been seen as more optimistic than reality would offer, but it works and it’s built upon lovely intentions.
Part of why it works is the performance from Lancelot E. Theobald Jr. who brings a genuine touch. His concern feels sincere, and he does a great job of building the background for his character, injecting that feel of regret and doing good deeds in the memory of a lost loved one. While Yanko Valentin’s performance is a little rough around the edges, it’s missing a more subtle touch at times, but it is decidedly earnest. Kyle Bland is a great addition to add in more generosity and compassion, he gives his character a caring feel.
There are also a few other ways in which The Veteran needed some fine tuning. The pacing is somewhat slow, especially with that simpler style. The makeup work could use a better eye for detail, it’s an element which is typically a victim of budget constraints, but at the same time, with false hair in particular, it can become distracting when not done well, as it unfortunately takes you out of the moment and that can be an issue here. The dialogue could also use some finessing in points, and the story occasionally strays into unnecessary tangents.
The Veteran is a foray into traditional storytelling to delve into the poignant, vital issues of opioid addiction and homeless veterans. It has a humble style and a wholesome simplicity, and a big heart. It’s a little slow and can be somewhat unpolished at times, but Yanko Valentin and Lancelot E. Theobald Jr. bring an earnest air. It’s an admirable effort to highlight such necessary issues, and the ending credits sequence was a particularly nice touch to accent the urgency and relevancy.
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