The Outpost

The Outpost

Year: 2020

Runtime: 123 min

Language: English

Director: Rod Lurie

Echo Score: 74

Budget: $18M

ActionDramaHistoryWar

During a fierce battle in the remote valley of three mountains, a small U.S. military outpost comes under relentless attack by Taliban fighters. The soldiers of Bravo Troop 3-61 CAV find themselves in a desperate fight for survival, facing overwhelming numbers and enduring a brutal conflict that becomes known as the Battle of Kamdesh. Their courage and resilience are tested as they struggle to defend their position and withstand the intense fighting.

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Timeline & Setting – The Outpost (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Outpost (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2009

The events unfold during the Afghanistan War in late 2009, culminating in a brutal siege at Kamdesh. Night operations, improvised tactics, and heavy casualties illustrate the intensity of combat on frontier bases. Political considerations, including pressure from Afghan authorities, influence decisions and the intensity of actions during the siege.

Location

Kamdesh Outpost, PRT Kamdesh, Afghanistan

A remote U.S. Army outpost set in Afghanistan's rugged mountains. It functions as a defensive hub amid hostile territory, subject to Taliban ambushes and challenging supply lines. The outpost's closure and ongoing negotiations with local elders shape its precarious existence.

🏔️ Mountain outpost 🪖 Military fortress 🗺️ Remote frontier

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

Main Characters – The Outpost (2020)

Meet the key characters of The Outpost (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

SSG Clint Romesha (Scott Eastwood)

A battle-hardened squad leader who helps orchestrate the base's defense. He pushes for coordinated actions to hold the line as the siege intensifies and remains calm under pressure, guiding others through dangerous moments.

🛡️ Leader 🎖️ Courage 🤝 Brotherhood

SPC Ty Carter (Caleb Landry Jones)

A determined soldier whose loyalty and resolve sustain his squad during the attack. He demonstrates personal risk-taking to protect teammates and rescue wounded, embodying resilience under extreme stress.

💪 Strength 🧭 Focus

CPT Ben Keating (Orlando Bloom)

The base's early commander who tries to engage with local elders and secure peace through infrastructure promises. His leadership emphasizes negotiation and initiative, even as threats grow, until his death when the LMTV falls off a cliff.

🗺️ Leadership 💬 Diplomacy

1LT Andrew Bundermann (Taylor John Smith)

The newly installed commander who must navigate mounting danger and limited resources. He focuses on maintaining order and morale while the unit endures bombardment and casualties, and withholds communications about leaving to avoid panic.

⚖️ Duty 🏹 Discipline

SGT Justin Gallegos (Jacob Scipio)

A frontline sergeant who actively participates in the defense and ultimately falls in action. His willingness to confront danger underscores the unit's resolve during the siege.

🪖 Frontline 💔 Sacrifice

SGT Vernon Martin (Cory Hardrict)

A steadfast squad member who endures the siege and shares in the unit's resolve. He is among the casualties, illustrating the human toll of the battle.

🛡️ Valor 🕯️ Loss

SPC Chris Griffin (Alexander Arnold)

A defender who fights alongside teammates and is among the casualties during the counterattack. His presence underscores the cost borne by the unit on the front lines.

🪖 Frontline 🕯️ Loss

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

Major Themes – The Outpost (2020)

Explore the central themes of The Outpost (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎖️ Courage

Faces extraordinary risk as they defend the outpost against a large Taliban assault. Individual acts of bravery—leading charges, rescues, and standing firm under fire—highlight personal courage. The Medal of Honor recognitions for Romesha and Carter underscore the cost and significance of steadfast valor in battlefield conditions.

🤝 Brotherhood

Camaraderie under stress sustains the unit when leadership debates and casualties threaten morale. Soldiers rely on trust, coordination, and mutual protection as they fight to retake the perimeter. The shared dangers forge a deep bond that endures beyond the firefights.

⚖️ Duty vs Rules

The film juxtaposes strict rules of engagement with urgent battlefield needs, as leaders hesitate to search villages or negotiate with elders. Command decisions weigh human cost, political repercussions, and the desire to protect civilians. This tension drives critical choices during the defense and the push to stay open despite risks.

Last Updated: January 08, 2026 at 11:59

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The Outpost Summary

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The Outpost Summary

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The Outpost Timeline

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The Outpost Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Outpost

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