"The Veteran" Hits Home

Independent filmmaker Wilfred Lasalle’s latest project is a socially conscious film that challenges viewers to reconcile with how we treat American veterans. It isn’t clear if this is a true story or based on actual events but it is a story that rings true in cities across the country.

The Veteran is told from the perspective of Jose Torres, a Marine who is injured saving a fellow Marine during a firefight in Iraq, 2001. His doctor prescribes oxycotin for the pain but he abuses the medication and is subsequently discharged from the Marine Corps. 

At the same time the story of Max is introduced. His connection to Torres and his role in the Torres’ life is unclear at first but the two men eventually find each other. Max heads an investment company and has generic conversations with two other characters around a conference table. Apparently, Max is wealthy given the scenes of his opulent lifestyle. 

There is an implication that the story takes place over decades through flash backs and narration but not sure how far it jumps ahead. It can be inferred that Max’s story is more current until he talks about being a hedge fund manager. This feels a little dated. As far as I know, hedge funds aren’t common in 2026. A more relevant vocation would have had a better impact. 

As the plot progresses, Torres arrives back home to his wife and son and everything seems normal. A few scenes later his family is killed in a car accident. Some time passes and he continues to fight with the VA to get the help that he needs with his injured back.

Meanwhile, Max argues with his wife about their family situation and he continues to contend with his colleagues over the direction of his company. Those same colleagues also find the time to harass Torres who shows up homeless and panhandling in front of their building.

By this time the storylines converge and Torres and Max begin to interact. Max commits to helping Torres get back on his feet. It takes a while to determine why but we finally get there. Max’s coworkers ridicule him for his altruism and his wife is also less than supportive. 

It all comes together when Max brings Torres home to meet his wife and he discloses his motives for wanting to help Torres. He also takes Torres to his workplace where Torres shows some acumen in solving an accounting problem. This leads Max to hire him to lead a foundation that serves homeless veterans.

The Veteran is an aspirational film meant to bring attention to an ongoing problem with how American society views its military veterans and the indigent in general. It shines a light on attitudes, systemic breakdown and a general sense of apathy particularly among the wealthy.

The performances are competent, convincing us of the dire nature of Torres’ journey. The cinematography is done well enough to establish the urban environment in which the story takes place. Although it might have been better to spend more of the budget on hair/make-up and wardrobe rather than location, the film does accomplish its goal of challenging us to reevaluate our priorities regarding the issues of personal success, healthcare and basic human empathy.