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 – In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Trace every key event in In the Valley of Elah (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hank Receives Disturbing News

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.

November 1, 2004 Tennessee
2

Hank Heads to New Mexico

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.

New Mexico
3

Meeting Sergeant Carnelli

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.

Fort Rudd
4

Reviewing Mike's Belongings

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.

Fort Rudd
5

Struggles with Law Enforcement

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.

Local Police Department
6

Discovery of Mike's Body

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.

Crime Scene
7

Investigation Commences

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.

Crime Scene
8

Dinner and Storytelling

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.

Emily's Home
9

New Leads Emerge

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.

Local Bar
10

Shocking Revelations

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.

11

Confronting Suspects

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.

12

Climactic Discovery

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.

13

Confessions and Truths

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.

14

Hank's Emotional Reflection

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.

15

Final Tribute to Mike

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.

Local School

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 04:28

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In the Valley of Elah Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in In the Valley of Elah

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