In the Valley of Elah

On November 1, 2004, Hank Deerfield receives heartbreaking news that his son Mike, a soldier recently returned from Iraq, has gone missing. This news prompts Hank to take immediate action, driven by worry and a sense of duty to uncover the truth about his son's disappearance.

Determined to find Mike, Hank drives to Fort Rudd in New Mexico, where Mike was stationed. His journey is filled with anticipation and dread as he prepares to confront the military and uncover the circumstances surrounding his son's last days.

Upon his arrival at Fort Rudd, Hank meets Sergeant First Class Dan Carnelli, who provides him some insight into the situation. This meeting is pivotal for Hank, as it marks the beginning of his involvement in searching for the truth about his son.

Hank goes through Mike's personal belongings and secretly takes his cell phone. This act signifies Hank’s desperation to gather any information that might lead him to his missing son.

Hank attempts to file a missing person's report with Detective Emily Sanders but is met with bureaucratic obstacles and an uncooperative police force. This experience frustrates Hank and reflects the systemic issues he faces as a father seeking answers.

A devastating turn of events occurs when Hank learns that Mike's burned and dismembered body has been found. The military asserts that the death is drug-related, but Hank's instincts tell him there's a deeper story that needs to be uncovered.

Hank convinces Emily Sanders to investigate the crime scene together. They begin to uncover discrepancies in witness accounts, particularly concerning a vehicle seen near where Mike's body was discovered, suggesting intentional cover-ups.

Emily invites Hank to dinner, where he shares with her son the story of David versus Goliath. This biblical metaphor reflects Hank’s resolve to pursue justice for Mike, highlighting the obstacles they face against a powerful military establishment.

While at a bar, bartender Eve identifies Mike's squad mate, CPL Steve Penning. This identification provides Hank and Emily with new leads and insights into Mike's final hours before his tragic death, increasing the urgency of their investigation.

Through persistent interviews, Hank and Emily discover troubling evidence pointing to Mike’s comrades as possible suspects. This revelation shakes Hank to his core, as he comes to grips with the betrayal from those he thought he could trust.

Frustrated with the lack of progress, Hank takes matters into his own hands and confronts several suspects. This direct approach highlights Hank's desperation and determination to uncover the truth about his son’s brutal murder.

The investigation leads to the shocking discovery of Bonner's dead body, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mike's death. This turn of events escalates the tension, as the military's involvement becomes increasingly suspicious.

As Hank and Emily continue their investigation, CPL Penning eventually admits his role in Mike’s murder. This confession brings a heartbreaking conclusion to Hank's quest for justice, unveiling the tragic reality of betrayal within the military.

Haunted by thoughts of his son, Hank reflects on their last conversation. This moment of introspection emphasizes the emotional weight of his journey, as he grapples with loss, betrayal, and the harsh truths uncovered in his search for justice.

Returning home, Hank discovers that Joan has opened Mike's last package, revealing a photo of his squad and an American flag. In a poignant tribute, he displays the flag upside down at the local school, signaling distress and honoring his son's tragic fate.