Hailey Gates’ debut feature film, “Atropia,” is a scattered portrayal of a city created by the American military for training cadets. The film, which premiered at Sundance, follows Fayruz, played by the talented Alia Shawkat, as she navigates various roles in a role-playing facility, including that of an Iraqi street vendor and a mustard gas scientist.
The storyline also introduces a romantic subplot between Fayruz and a soldier, Callum Turner, adding a sentimental layer that detracts from the film’s satirical take on American imperialism. Despite this, “Atropia” delves into the complex relationship between the film industry and the U.S. Department of Defense, showcasing how everyday individuals contribute to the nation’s war machine.
The film provides an intriguing look at the inner workings of the role-playing facility, depicting the interactions between actors, makeup artists, and set designers as they immerse themselves in the simulation. While the premise holds promise, the execution falls short of delivering a cohesive message.
As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to the burgeoning romance between Fayruz and the soldier, diluting the film’s intended satire. The comedic elements at play often miss the mark, leading to a lack of clarity in the overarching themes explored in “Atropia.”
Overall, “Atropia” offers a unique perspective on the military-entertainment complex but fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Hailey Gates’ ambitious film touches on pressing issues surrounding military propaganda in the United States but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and coherent narrative.