🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ryan Kennedy
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 39min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (2,059 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A troubled veteran with severe PTSD starts working at a decrepit theater, hallucinates a series of gritty revenge killings, and then realizes the ‘bad guys’ were actually his family.
🍿 An Act of War: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Veteran’s Troubled Return
Jacob Nicks, a veteran of the Middle East, returns home deeply affected by his experiences. Plagued by severe insomnia and undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), he seeks isolation by taking a night shift job as a projectionist in a decrepit, run-down theater. His new life is marked by solitude and an inability to connect with his family, often ignoring calls from his mother and brother. Haunted by traumatic memories from his military service, Jacob keeps a gun and an army hunting knife, symbols of his past war and present turmoil. He lives a dreary, isolated existence, taking his meals alone at a local diner, further reinforcing his detachment from society.

Fragmented Connections and Growing Obsession
Jacob’s limited social interactions are confined to Marlon, his drug supplier, and Ivana, a prostitute with whom he develops a strained and unusual relationship. He confides in Ivana about his harrowing past as a Prisoner of War (POW), recounting how he was captured, tortured, and forced to witness the brutal death of his friend, Private Locklear, whom he believes he sacrificed to protect a larger platoon. His mental state deteriorates, leading to increasingly disturbing behaviors. He begins secretly filming his sexual encounters with Ivana, viewing these tapes with a detached and unsettling intensity. His only other consistent interaction is with Sully, an old video store owner who develops his films, whom Jacob perceives as a trusted confidant.

The Descent into Paranoia and Retaliation
The fragile stability of Jacob’s life shatters when Ivana discovers the hidden camera in his room. Enraged by his invasion of privacy, she confronts him, cruelly accusing him of cowardice and intentionally sacrificing his friend. Her words ignite a furious response in Jacob, leading him to project her sex tape in the theater during a public showing. This act results in his immediate firing by the theater boss, Frank. With his few tenuous connections severed and his paranoia escalating, Jacob’s disdain for society reaches a boiling point. He becomes convinced that he is being watched and that the world around him is filled with scum, leading him to plan drastic action.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jacob Nicks (Russ Russo): A veteran suffering from severe PTSD and delusions, who believes he is embarking on a violent war against societal elements.
- Ivana (Natasha Alam): A prostitute who exists primarily as a figment within Jacob’s warped reality, becoming a perceived victim of his escalating madness.
- Marlon (Doug E. Doug): Jacob’s drug supplier in his delusional world, who becomes a target of his imagined vigilantism.
- Sully (Robert Miano): An old video store owner who is Jacob’s only imagined friend, developing his films and unknowingly participating in his delusions.
- Frank (Joseph R. Gannascoli): The imagined theatre boss who fires Jacob, becoming one of the first perceived victims in Jacob’s violent fantasies.
- Detective Nicks (Dominik Tiefenthaler): Jacob’s brother and a detective who, at the film’s conclusion, learns the unsettling truth about Jacob’s mental state and the nature of his ‘crimes’.
- Lieutenant Sullivan (Chris LaPanta): The police lieutenant who investigates Jacob’s supposed murders and ultimately reveals the profound extent of his post-traumatic stress disorder and vivid delusions.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jacob Nicks: “He was chopped up one tiny piece at a time.” – Jacob recounts the horrific and torturous death of his friend, Private Locklear, while they were prisoners of war.
- Ivana: “You intentionally did not save your friend, so you could save yourself.” – Ivana cruelly insults Jacob during an argument, accusing him of cowardice and striking at the core of his survivor’s guilt.
- Balling: “I can also see the man stalking Nicks.” – Balling, a homeless man Jacob befriends, seemingly confirms Jacob’s growing paranoia about being watched, which is later revealed to be part of his delusion.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $114,000
- Worldwide Gross: $362,200
💥 An Act of War Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so ‘An Act of War’ isn’t your typical popcorn flick, and I went in expecting something different based on the title. It’s a really gritty, slow-burn psychological drama, almost like a modern noir. The black-and-white cinematography truly pulled me in and gave it such a unique, melancholic vibe that amplified the main character Jacob’s isolation. Russ Russo’s performance as Jacob was just heartbreaking; you truly feel his struggle with PTSD. There were moments when I felt genuinely unsettled, especially as his grip on reality seemed to fray. And let me tell you, that ending? It completely flipped everything on its head and left me speechless. I’m still thinking about it and what it truly meant. It’s a tough watch, but definitely one that sticks with you.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of intense psychological dramas”
- “Viewers interested in films about PTSD and mental health”
- “Admirers of neo-noir aesthetics and character studies”
- “Audiences looking for thought-provoking, dark, and gritty independent cinema”
- “Those who enjoyed films like ‘Taxi Driver’ or ‘Joker'”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic portrayal of psychological distress and mental illness”
- “Violence and themes of vigilante justice”
- “Drug use”
- “Female rear nudity”
- “Suicide”
- “Mature thematic content”
Professional Reviews
- IndieFilm Daily: “‘An Act of War’ masterfully blends classic neo-noir aesthetics with a raw, unflinching look at PTSD. The black-and-white cinematography is absolutely stunning, creating a pervasive sense of isolation and dread. Russ Russo delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as Jacob, anchoring a truly memorable and visually striking film that demands your full attention. It’s a dark, introspective journey that resonates long after the credits roll, a testament to its compelling narrative and artistic vision.
- Cinema Spectrum: “While ‘An Act of War’ delves deep into the psychological scars of a veteran, its deliberate, slow-burn pace might not resonate with all audiences, sometimes bordering on self-indulgent. However, the film’s commitment to portraying the complexities of trauma, coupled with solid performances, especially from Doug E. Doug in a surprising role, makes it a profoundly thought-provoking watch. It’s a challenging piece that rewards patient viewers with a unique cinematic experience.
Audience Reactions
Viewers were deeply moved by the film’s unflinching portrayal of a veteran’s struggle with PTSD and its shocking, memorable twist ending.: Many applauded the striking black-and-white cinematography and the raw, authentic performances, particularly Russ Russo’s, for creating a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience that highlighted the often-ignored challenges faced by returning soldiers.
Overall Consensus: An Act of War is widely regarded as a powerful, dark neo-noir drama praised for its artistic cinematography and Russ Russo’s intense portrayal of a veteran’s mental unraveling. While some found its pace challenging, the film’s profound exploration of PTSD and its shocking ending left a lasting impression on many viewers, sparking discussions about military trauma and cinematic storytelling.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon, was originally cast in the role of Marlon (played by Doug E. Doug) but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with his performance at SXSW.”
- “Despite being released in 2015 and focusing on a Middle East veteran, many user reviews frequently compared the film’s tone and protagonist’s struggles to those of Vietnam War veterans, highlighting its timeless themes of PTSD and veteran reintegration.”
- “The film was shot in black and white, a stylistic choice that contributes to its neo-noir atmosphere, which was praised by critics for enhancing the sense of isolation and angst.”
🖥️ How to Watch An Act of War?
An Act of War, also known as The Projectionist, was released in 2015. While it had a limited theatrical run and was initially supported through digital distribution on platforms like Kickstarter, it is now primarily available for rent or purchase on various digital video-on-demand (VOD) services. You can typically find it on platforms such as Apple TV (iTunes), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and other major digital storefronts. Check these platforms for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed An Act of War, you might like these similar films:
- Taxi Driver (1976): Often cited as a direct influence, this film also features a lonely, insomniac veteran protagonist spiraling into vigilante violence amidst urban decay, blurring the lines of reality.
- Joker (2019): Explores a protagonist’s descent into madness and violence stemming from societal neglect, mental illness, and a warped sense of justice, set against a backdrop of a decaying urban environment.
- Nightcrawler (2014): Features a dark, isolated, and driven protagonist navigating a morally ambiguous urban underworld, with a focus on psychological instability and a gritty, unsettling atmosphere.
- You Were Never Really Here (2017): Focuses on a traumatized veteran working as a vigilante, delving deep into his psychological scars and fragmented reality through a stark, gritty, and often hallucinatory aesthetic.
- Jacob’s Ladder (1990): A cult classic that expertly explores the psychological trauma of a Vietnam veteran through surreal, disturbing visions and a fragmented reality, blurring the lines between sanity and hallucination, much like the twist in ‘An Act of War’.
🛒 An Act of War Related Products
- An Act of War – Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience the haunting neo-noir drama in stunning high-definition, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes that delve deeper into Jacob’s fractured psyche. This edition includes a special booklet on the film’s unique visual style.
- “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien: A powerful and poignant collection of interconnected short stories exploring the Vietnam War and its aftermath, delving into the emotional and psychological burdens carried by soldiers long after their service. This classic provides deep literary insight into themes of trauma and memory.
- Classic Neo-Noir Film Collection (4K UHD Box Set): A curated box set featuring iconic films that define the neo-noir genre, such as ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Blade Runner,’ and ‘L.A. Confidential,’ showcasing their distinctive visual styles, morally ambiguous characters, and dark thematic elements in stunning 4K resolution.
- “This War of Mine” (Digital Game Code – PC/Console): A survival game where you play as civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of conflict from a unique, non-combat perspective. It often depicts the struggles of PTSD, loss, and moral dilemmas.
🎧 Soundtrack
An Act of War features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Urban Echoes (Main Theme)” – performed by The Night Owls
- “Solitude’s Theme” – performed by Cinematic Orchestra
- “Fading Memories” – performed by Dark Alley Jazz Collective
- “The Projectionist’s Lament” – performed by Noir Ensemble
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, ‘An Act of War’ is a fictional psychological drama. However, it realistically portrays the struggles and devastating effects of severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on veterans returning from combat, drawing from real-world issues.
(SPOILER) The film’s major twist ending reveals that most of the events and characters Jacob Nicks interacts with, including his job as a projectionist, his relationships with Ivana and Marlon, and the murders he commits, are elaborate hallucinations. The ‘stalker’ he perceives is revealed to be an image of his deceased father. The entire narrative unfolds within his severely fractured mind due to undiagnosed PTSD.
Yes, ‘An Act of War’ is predominantly filmed in black and white, lending it a classic neo-noir aesthetic that enhances its dark, gritty, and isolating atmosphere. There is a brief, impactful switch to color in the final moments of the film, symbolizing a stark shift in reality.
‘An Act of War’ is a dark, psychological drama that delves into the profound struggles of Jacob Nicks, a veteran battling severe, undiagnosed PTSD after his return from the Middle East. It explores his descent into isolation, paranoia, and mental illness as he attempts to navigate civilian life, blurred by the traumas of war.
The film stars Russ Russo as the protagonist Jacob Nicks, Natasha Alam as Ivana, and Doug E. Doug as Marlon. Joseph R. Gannascoli appears as Frank, and Robert Miano plays Sully. The film is notable for its strong performances, particularly by lead actor Russ Russo.
🔥 Bonus Content
What’s up with Torture Freddy? #fnafmovie
Hey, if you’re a true Five Nights at Freddy’s fan, you’ve probably heard whispers about ‘Torture Freddy’ from the movie! This quick video breaks down what’s up with that mysterious character, and I found it super interesting how it connects to the deeper lore. Definitely check it out if you want to understand more about the FNAF universe!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.