“American Solitaire” Confronts PTSD and Gun Culture Head-On

Writer-director Aaron Davidman explores two gripping topics—gun control and PTSD—in his new film “American Solitaire,” from Greenwich Entertainment.  As anyone who has served their country knows, when you come home from war, sometimes the battle isn’t over.

The film opens with a young boy learning to load a weapon from his father.  We then cut to Slinger (Joshua Close), returning home from his latest tour with a cane, as he attempts to settle into a halfway house while visiting his battle buddy, Auggie (Gilbert Owuor), who is preparing to deploy again.  As a veteran slowly unraveling from the aftermath of combat, Slinger feels adrift in a country that celebrates guns but has little language for the damage they leave behind.

As my longtime readers know, I’m a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  While I did deploy, I never actually saw combat; however, I worked in the armory, which amplified my fear of guns.  Now, I’m not someone who is against the Second Amendment, but I choose not to have firearms in my home.

That said, there is a scene at the twenty-five-minute mark where Slinger visits Auggie.  It’s clear that his friend is dealing with something significant, so Slinger takes him to a gun range to let off some steam.  The two run afoul of two reckless teens who have no regard for gun safety.  This scene alone sets the tone for the film, as within five minutes, both actors examine PTSD and toxic masculinity in youth, highlighting how quickly the younger generation can spiral out of control when the elders want to help guide them.

After a personal tragedy hits close to home for Slinger, the film focuses on his journey and the relationship his small town has with firearms.  “American Solitaire” is on the lower-budget side, but it delivers its message with tact.  There are flashback scenes to Slinger’s time in the war that contrast with his experiences at home.  Gilbert Owuor also has some solid moments as an officer who has worked hard to achieve his rank, only to realize that sometimes your country doesn’t love you back for all the sacrifices you make.

The supporting cast, mostly unknowns, is also solid.  Joanne Kelly brings the right amount of feminine tenderness to Athena, Slinger’s landlord, while Cooper Huckabee displays the right amount of stubbornness as Slinger’s father.

Director Aaron Davidman has crafted a solid feature that may not change how we view guns in America, but it certainly creates important talking points.

Final Grade: B

“American Solitaire” is now in limited release.