This introspective co-writing effort with The Hurt Locker scribe Mark Boal might be the pinnacle of Haggis’ career. The rest of Haggis’ filmography has been a letdown, but at least for this one moment in cinema, he got it mostly right.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 6, 2022

A powerhouse of moral conflicts and unpredictable resolutions.

| Original Score: 9/10 | Nov 26, 2020

Tommy Lee Jones composes an unforgettable character. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Oct 28, 2020

For the film's closing scene alone, In the Valley of Elah should be immediately dismissed from any potential Oscar consideration.

| Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 12, 2020

An intriguing eloquent textured tapestry.

| Nov 3, 2019

Tommy Lee Jones gives an extraordinary, brilliantly understated performance.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 5, 2019

Filmmaker Haggis does an effective job of cultivating an impressively engrossing atmosphere right from the outset...

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 31, 2018

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 18, 2011

It's a testament to "Elah's" stoicism that the heartbreak at how dishonesty undoes decades of dignity pierces without ever patronizing. It's an unforgettable, angry film that understands several simple thank-yous can trump eruptive, emotive speeches.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Sep 24, 2010

Condescending liberal dreck like In the Valley of Elah is just as awful as a thousand Fox-News commentators

| Aug 27, 2009

| Original Score: C- | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 18, 2008

Jones's performance is quiet, intense, and stunning.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Aug 25, 2008

Un drama detectivesco conmovedor que termina siendo un alegato contra la guerra más contundente que cualquier discurso pacifista.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 26, 2008

Regardless of which side of the political fence one sits on, 'In the Valley of Elah''s power can't be denied and the strong acting must be appreciated.

| Mar 3, 2008

It's a quality film, but all the truly emotional moments come from watching and listening to the soldiers, which doesn't really happen until the very end.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Mar 3, 2008

It is extraordinary that a film this muted could resonate with a message this strong.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Feb 28, 2008

This is a beautiful film hiding the terrible truth that is the horror of war.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 27, 2008

[Jones] makes the father's pride, determination, stubbornness, patriotism, and love extremely, utterly believable, sympathetic, and involving.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Feb 26, 2008

Will hopefully be appreciated years from now when the Iraq war is looked upon by many as a war that revealed to its citizens what America has truly become...

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 23, 2008