In the Valley of Elah

In the Valley of Elah

Year: 2007

Runtime: 121 min

Language: english

Director: Paul Haggis

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

When a young soldier vanishes after a night with his unit, his retired Army father, Hank Deerfield, joins forces with Detective Emily Krule to investigate. Their search uncovers unsettling details about the soldier’s life and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. As Hank confronts the case, buried memories from his time in Vietnam unexpectedly resurface, forcing him to grapple with his own painful history.

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Timeline & Setting – In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of In the Valley of Elah (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2004

Set in November 2004, the film captures a period marked by the lasting effects of the Iraq War on American soldiers and their families. It highlights the societal struggles, including the stigma around veterans and the difficulties in addressing military-related crimes. This timeframe serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of duty, honor, and the harsh realities of war.

Location

Tennessee, New Mexico

The film predominantly takes place in Tennessee, where Hank Deerfield resides, showcasing the picturesque yet somber atmosphere of rural America. New Mexico serves as the military base where his son, Mike, has been stationed, reflecting the harsh realities faced by soldiers returning from overseas. The contrast between the tranquility of Hank's home and the tension of the military setting underscores the film's themes of grief and justice.

🏞️ Locations

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Main Characters – In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Meet the key characters of In the Valley of Elah (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hank Deerfield

Hank is a determined and grieving father, portrayed as a rugged individualist with a deep sense of duty. His military background drives his relentless pursuit of the truth when his son goes missing. As he navigates a complex web of evidence and suspicion, Hank's character embodies both resilience and vulnerability in the face of bureaucratic indifference.

👨‍👦 Father 💪 Resilience 🕵️ Investigator

Emily Sanders

Detective Emily Sanders is a competent and determined officer, challenged by the male-dominated environment of her homicide unit. As she works alongside Hank, she navigates her own struggles for respect while pushing for justice. Emily's character is marked by her courage and dedication, reflecting the broader theme of female empowerment within the story.

👮‍♀️ Detective ⚖️ Justice 💪 Empowerment

Mike Deerfield

Mike is a soldier whose life is tragically cut short, serving as the catalyst for the film's emotional and investigative journey. Although he is not present for much of the film, the impact of his character is felt deeply through Hank's memories and the unfolding investigation. His story brings to light the vulnerabilities faced by soldiers returning home from combat.

🇺🇸 Soldier 🕊️ Tragedy 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Comrade

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Major Themes – In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Explore the central themes of In the Valley of Elah (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Justice

The quest for justice is a central theme, as Hank Deerfield embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind his son's death. His struggle against bureaucratic obstacles and military indifference showcases the challenge faced by families seeking accountability. The film emphasizes the moral complexities of loyalty and the price of seeking justice in a system that often protects its own.

💔 Loss

Loss permeates the narrative, as Hank grapples with the devastating reality of losing his son. The emotional weight of their last conversation and Hank's vigil over Mike's belongings reflect the profound grief that soldiers' families endure. This theme is powerfully illustrated through Hank's actions and the ultimate tribute he pays to his son.

⚔️ Betrayal

Betrayal unfolds as Hank uncovers that his son's comrades may be behind the senseless violence. The film explores the dark side of military camaraderie, revealing the deep fractures in trust within a unit. This theme poses difficult questions about loyalty and the lengths that individuals are willing to go to protect one another or themselves.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

Unlock the Full Story of In the Valley of Elah

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In the Valley of Elah Summary

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In the Valley of Elah Summary

In the Valley of Elah Timeline

Track the full timeline of In the Valley of Elah with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

In the Valley of Elah Timeline

More About In the Valley of Elah

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