Escape and Evasion (2019), directed by Storm Ashwood, is a gripping Australian war drama that explores the deep psychological wounds left by combat. Josh McConville delivers a powerful performance as Seth, a soldier tormented by the lingering ghosts of his past and the emotional aftermath of war. The film offers a raw, unflinching examination of the toll that conflict takes on the human mind, presenting a poignant and compelling journey through trauma, guilt, and the struggle for redemption.

The film follows Seth, a lone soldier returning to Australia after a catastrophic mission in Myanmar that left his entire team dead, with him as the sole survivor. Struggling to readjust to civilian life, Seth is consumed by overwhelming survivor’s guilt and crippling PTSD. His days are haunted by relentless nightmares and vivid flashbacks, blurring the lines between his traumatic past and his present reality, as he grapples with the demons of war that refuse to let him go.

Amidst Seth’s battle with his inner demons, a tenacious journalist (Bonnie Sveen) seeks him out, determined to uncover the truth behind the disastrous mission and the fate of his fallen comrades. Her unwavering quest for answers forces Seth to confront the dark, buried memories he’s been desperately avoiding. Reluctantly drawn into her investigation, Seth is compelled to face the painful realities of his past, exposing secrets he’s long tried to forget and challenging him to reckon with the truth.

“Escape and Evasion” intricately examines the profound psychological effects of warfare, delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and the quest for inner peace following intense trauma. Josh McConville delivers a compelling performance as a man tormented by his past, with the film’s intense atmosphere and emotional resonance providing a deeply engaging and reflective cinematic experience.