Drone

The narrative begins in March 2016 with a drone strike in Pakistan and unfolds over the following year. It centers on the one-year anniversary of that strike, weaving together international counterterrorism activity with intimate family dynamics. The time frame emphasizes how quickly the consequences of modern warfare ripple through both public events and private lives.

The drone strike sequence takes place in Pakistan, highlighting a region engulfed in military action and political tension. The story also moves to the private residence of Neil Wistin, where personal lives intersect with covert operations. The contrast between a conflict zone and a domestic space underscores the film's focus on civilian impact and moral ambiguity.

⚖️ War Ethics

The film questions the morality of drone warfare, weighing civilian casualties against strategic aims. It probes accountability for operators, contractors, and decision-makers who operate from behind screens. Through the lens of a single strike and its aftermath, it reveals the ethical price of contemporary military tactics.

💔 Grief

Grief threads through both Shaw and Wistin, driving actions and justifications. Shaw's loss of his wife and daughter fuels his pursuit of truth and revenge, while Wistin's guilt about past events taints his sense of self. The narrative links personal heartbreak to broader violence and consequence.

🛰️ Surveillance

The story centers on covert drone work, leaks, and the pressures of being watched. Secrecy erodes trust within families and between individuals and the state. The tension between protected information and exposure drives the plot and exposes the fragility of intimate relationships.