The Messenger

Multi-award winning, The Messenger is a timeless story that examines universal themes of redemption, hope and the resilience of the human spirit. The first film directed by Oren Moverman, a combat veteran of the Israeli army, whose earlier screenplays include the Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There" (2007) and "Jesus' Son" (1999), The Messenger follows two officers (Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) faced with the unenviable task of notifying the loved ones of fallen soldiers. The two men form an unlikely bond that is threatened when one of the officers finds himself drawn to a young widow (Samantha Morton), setting off an ethical dilemma that plays out in touching and surprising ways. The film is a deeply moving tale about the complex and unexpected ways that people reach out to and gain strength from each other, offering a unique and inspiring vision that deftly balances strong emotion with humour, compassion and empathy.

The Messenger won the Silver Berlin Bear for Best Screenplay and the Critics Award and Grand Special Prize for Best Film at the Deauville Film Festival, whilst Woody Harrelson garnered Best Supporting Actor Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations and won the Best Supporting Male Independent Spirit Award for his portrayal of Captain Tony Stone.