Restrepo

The film opens with footage of four inebriated soldiers shot by PFC Juan Restrepo, setting the tone of risk and camaraderie. In May 2007, Second Platoon, Battle Company begins a 15-month deployment to the Korengal Valley, one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military.

American troops and supplies are ferried into COP Korengal by Chinook helicopters, marking their arrival at a hard-to-access outpost. The transport underscores the isolation and difficulty of the mission in the valley.

The film's opening Afghanistan scenes depict a firefight after a Hummer is disabled by an IED on a narrow mountain road. The soldiers endure heavy enemy fire and navigate perilous terrain to press their defense.

Pfc. Timothy R. Vimoto, 19, is killed in action within months of arriving, illustrating the constant danger shaping the unit's experience. His loss compounds the emotional and operational strain on Second Platoon.

PFC Restrepo, the unit's medic, is killed shortly after Vimoto, underscoring the human cost and the close bonds formed with him. His absence is felt throughout the rest of the deployment.

Captain Dan Kearney initiates construction of an advanced outpost, which the troops name OP Restrepo in honor of Juan Restrepo. The outpost becomes the focal point of much of the battles and daily life.

At OP Restrepo, the men endure near-daily firefights from shifting enemy positions across the surrounding terrain. The relentless exposure to combat defines their routine.

A major objective becomes interrupting Taliban supply flow while securing a road project and earning the trust of the local populace. The soldiers interact with local leaders and civilians.

The film portrays negotiations with local leaders—some cordial, others hostile—underscoring the complexity of connecting with a population in a war zone.

In October 2007, Operation Rock Avalanche targets Taliban fighters in the Korengal, marking a major offensive effort during the deployment.

Staff Sergeant Larry Rougle, at the point of the ambush, is killed, sacrificing himself to allow his soldiers to secure a position and continue the fight.

SSG Rougle, a Purple Heart recipient with prior deployments, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery as a mark of his service and sacrifice.

Interviews with some soldiers after returning to the 173rd Airborne Brigade base near Vicenza, Italy reveal candid reflections on combat, wounds, and the emotional distress they carry.

The film follows the men from months after their return to their homes, illustrating how the experience continues to shape their lives and friendships long after leaving Afghanistan.

Text at the end states that the United States withdrew from the Korengal Valley in April 2010, marking the end of the posting. It also notes that nearly 50 American soldiers died fighting there, highlighting the cost of the conflict.