“Atonement,” a new film, follows the true story of a U.S. Marine who served in the first Iraq War. In the early days of the conflict, he mistakenly fired on a family driving through a chaotic Baghdad intersection. Shots were coming from many directions, and the Marine’s gunfire killed three civilians. The movie chronicles the Marine’s long-simmering guilt and trauma and his prolonged effort to reach out to the surviving family members in an attempt to find some manner of reconciliation.
Reed Van Dyk, the film’s producer and director, joined Dexter Filkins, who wrote the New Yorker story the film’s script is based on, and Boyd Holbrook, who stars in the movie, on “The Takeout” to discuss.
The Shooting in Baghdad
The incident took place in Baghdad during the early days of the war. The intersection was chaotic, with gunfire coming from many directions. The Marine mistakenly fired on a family in their vehicle, and his bullets killed three civilians.
Guilt and Reconciliation
The film centers on the Marine’s struggle with guilt and trauma. He spends years trying to connect with the surviving family members, hoping to find some form of reconciliation.
The Source Material
The film’s script is based on a New Yorker story written by Dexter Filkins.
The Creative Team
Reed Van Dyk directs and produces the film. Boyd Holbrook stars in it. Dexter Filkins, the writer whose reporting shaped the script, joins the discussion.
The Takeout Interview
The makers of “Atonement” joined “The Takeout” to talk about the film.
What the Film Asks of Viewers
The movie asks viewers to sit with guilt, remorse, and the slow work of reconciliation between soldiers and the families they harm. It does not offer easy answers.
The Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Producer/Director | Reed Van Dyk |
| Writer (New Yorker) | Dexter Filkins |
| Star | Boyd Holbrook |
The Baghdad Setting
The scene takes place in Baghdad, in the early days of the war. The intersection is chaotic, with shots coming from many directions.
Final Word
“Atonement” is a serious film about a difficult subject. It handles guilt and reconciliation with care, and it respects the people whose lives it depicts. The makers have put real effort into telling this story with honesty.
The movie asks viewers to sit with guilt, remorse, and the slow work of reconciliation between soldiers and the families they harm. It does not offer easy answers.
See the video the story is built around at CBS News.
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