**Atropia** is a 2025 film directed by Hailey Gates and featuring Alia Shawkat. It tells the story of Fayruz, an actress at a U.S. military base in an Iraqi war zone, where she prepares soldiers for real challenges. While the film opens with a strong premise, it struggles with a romantic subplot that feels forced and underdeveloped.
Set against the backdrop of 2006 California, the film uses historical references, including images of President George W. Bush, to create a vivid context. As Fayruz navigates her duties, she realizes that the soldiers aren’t receiving the training they desperately need. The movie introduces a journalist, Nancy (played by Jane Levy), who adds some levity by making light of her surroundings.
The central conflict arises when Fayruz forms a bond with Abu Dice (played by Callum Turner). Although Turner has starred in romantic roles before, the chemistry between him and Shawkat is lacking. Fayruz’s character risks a lot for this relationship, making the plot seem implausible at times.
Interestingly, a giant turtle appears throughout the film. While it adds a whimsical touch, the turtle serves mainly as a motif rather than a driving force in the plot. The movie shifts focus from its original commentary on war to a more personal story about love and loss, losing some of its initial impact in the process.
Despite its weaknesses, **Atropia** showcases Shawkat’s talent. Her performance captures perplexing emotions and highlights the struggles of her character. Critics note that the film aimed to explore the exploitation of young military members but veers toward a conventional romantic drama instead. Many felt that with a tighter script, it could have made a more significant impact.
A film like **Atropia** resonates well in today’s climate, where discussions about military ethics and personal stories intertwine. It’s a brave choice to tackle such themes, but it often loses its footing when veering into melodrama. With a rating of 6.5 out of 10, it’s a mixed bag, appealing to some for its humor and visuals, but leaving others wanting more substance.
In a world increasingly questioning military involvement and its representation in media, **Atropia** offers a glimpse into the complexities but lacks in narrative coherence. For those interested in exploring the intersections of love and war through an artistic lens, this film could still be worthwhile.
