The Yellow Birds

Brandon Bartle and Daniel 'Murph' Murphy first meet during basic training for the U.S. Army. Their friendship begins to blossom as they bond over their differing backgrounds and future aspirations.

Before deployment, Bartle meets Murph's mother, Maureen Murphy, who extracts a heartfelt promise from him. She asks him to personally inform her if anything happens to her son during their time in Iraq.

Brandon and Murph are deployed to Iraq, cast into the reality of war. Here, they encounter their stern Sergeant Sterling, who struggles with his own issues while leading the troops.

As combat intensifies, Murph starts to feel the psychological toll of war. His infatuation with Jenny, a medic, complicates his emotions as he battles with fear and vulnerability.

Murph witnesses a bombing that injures Jenny, forcing him to face the harsh realities of war. In this moment, Murph loses his sense of safety and any semblance of normalcy.

After returning home to Richmond, Bartle is haunted by memories of Murph and the war. He struggles with feelings of guilt and loss, unsure of Murph's fate.

Bartle's relationship with his mother, Amy, becomes strained as he grapples with PTSD. A heated confrontation shows the emotional toll of war on their family dynamics.

In a moment of despair, Bartle wanders into the woods and nearly drowns in a river. Concerned locals intervene, leading to his arrest and subsequent discharge.

Upon release, Bartle meets Captain Anderson, who delivers devastating news about Sergeant Sterling's suicide. He also informs Bartle about the ongoing investigation into Murph's disappearance.

In prison, Bartle is visited by Maureen, who pleads for the truth regarding her son. Facing her pain, Bartle recounts the tragic events that occurred in Iraq.

To protect Maureen from the gruesome details, Bartle and Sergeant Sterling decide to dispose of Murph's body in a river. This act signifies their desperate attempt to shield her from further suffering.

As Bartle releases Murph's body into the water, he reflects on Murph's desire to escape from the harsh world they lived in. It's a poignant moment filled with regret and sorrow for what was lost.

In an unexpected and violent turn, Sergeant Sterling's actions leave Bartle shaken. This moment represents the culmination of their trauma and the desperate measures people resort to during war.

Maureen searches for closure by asking Bartle about moments of joy shared with Murph. This desire for connection amidst tragedy highlights a mother's love and the lengths she goes to find peace.

The film concludes with a beautiful, yet bittersweet moment of Murph and Jenny sharing a slow dance. It serves as a haunting reminder of fleeting happiness in the midst of darkness.