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American Sons

Play trailer Poster for American Sons 2025 59m Documentary War Play Trailer Watchlist
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American Sons finds a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, grappling with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and struggling to overcome physical and emotional trauma from combat and the loss of their best friend, Cpl. JV Villarreal. Leaving more than his memory behind, JV's intimate video diary of his life in Afghanistan serves as both a window into these Marines' past and a tribute to a Marine not forgotten. The film traces the dramatic journey of these veterans and emphasizes the ongoing veteran suicide crisis, which has surpassed the toll of lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. The stories reflect not only the physical, mental, and emotional suffering but also the societal failure to provide adequate care and understanding. Through reconnection and shared experiences is where these veterans find healing and hope.

Critics Reviews

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Louisa Moore Screen Zealots A sobering and emotional exploration of trauma, brotherhood, and the long road to healing faced by America's veterans. Mar 28, 2025 Full Review Alan French Sunshine State Cineplex Gonzales finds a good blend of new footage and Villarreal’s home video. Combining the two makes for a compelling documentary, even if we’ve seen similar stories. Rated: 7/10 Mar 17, 2025 Full Review Lisa Laman Culturess American Sons, though, is bogged down with derivative and scattershot filmmaking. Mar 12, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Movie Info

Synopsis American Sons finds a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, grappling with the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and struggling to overcome physical and emotional trauma from combat and the loss of their best friend, Cpl. JV Villarreal. Leaving more than his memory behind, JV's intimate video diary of his life in Afghanistan serves as both a window into these Marines' past and a tribute to a Marine not forgotten. The film traces the dramatic journey of these veterans and emphasizes the ongoing veteran suicide crisis, which has surpassed the toll of lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. The stories reflect not only the physical, mental, and emotional suffering but also the societal failure to provide adequate care and understanding. Through reconnection and shared experiences is where these veterans find healing and hope.
Director
Andrew Gonzales
Producer
Andrew Gonzales, Laura Varela, Elizabeth Avellan
Screenwriter
Andrew Gonzales, Laura Varela
Production Co
Infinite Warrior, Latino Public Broadcasting, Black Public Media
Genre
Documentary, War
Original Language
English
Runtime
59m