Reflections on “Fort Bliss”

Alright folks, let’s have a chat about this 2014 gem, “Fort Bliss.” Michelle Monaghan stars here, and wow, she brings a lot to the table. But let’s rewind for a sec — the whole military-mama-stuck-between-two-worlds theme hit home harder than surströmming on a summer day.

Directed by Claudia Myers, who’s like this hidden gem of a director, “Fort Bliss” is about an army medic, Maggie, and boy, does she face some real-life dilemmas. I’ve always had a soft spot for under-the-radar directors, and Myers not only directs it but also wrote this piece. It’s kinda like having kanelbulle with your coffee; the writing and directing tandem just fits.

One scene, you know the one with Maggie struggling to reconnect with her son? All those awkward silences and sidelong glances, it reminded me of this one fika with my morfar. We both had loads to say but never got past the “hur är läget?” barrier. Maybe family connections are sometimes like watching a complicated Ingmar Bergman flick — full of beautiful turmoil.

And the music score was spot on, not too overbearing, letting the silence speak, like a quiet Tuesday on Gotland in November. Though, I’m not sure all the scenes hit the mark. Some felt a tad predictable, like finding a misplaced sock on the laundry line. Not everything gels perfectly, but maybe that’s okay.

There’s a scene with Emmanuelle Chriqui (she’s got this spark, you know?) that made me ponder over the balances we all try to keep between career and personal life. Kind of like balancing snow and slush during a Stockholm winter.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a film that serves both drama and thought-prodding moments, give “Fort Bliss” a go. It may not be för alla, but the emotional punch is undeniable. It’s all in those whispered moments and silent struggles. Give it a watch over your next Friday Fredagsmys — popcorn and all.

Check the trailer below