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The Messenger

Play trailer Poster for The Messenger R 2009 1h 52m Drama Romance War Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 158 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
After being injured in Iraq, soldier Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) returns home to finish the rest of his tour of duty in the Army's Casualty Notification service. Teamed with veteran officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), Will tries to come to terms with his own pain while dealing with the cold realities of his new mission. Will finds himself in the grip of an ethical problem when he becomes involved with Olivia (Samantha Morton), the widow of a fallen soldier.
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The Messenger

The Messenger

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Critics Consensus

A dark but timely subject is handled deftly by writer/directer Owen Moverman and superbly acted by Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster.

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Critics Reviews

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Ed Koch The Atlantic Jan 16, 2018
An extraordinary anti-war film that does not engage in polemics. The Messenger's extreme effectiveness is due to the brilliant acting of Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson. Go to Full Review Alissa Wilkinson Paste Magazine Apr 12, 2016
6.8/10
It is relentlessly bleak, even in its lighter moments. The downbeat tone is wearying. These days, we just need some hope. Go to Full Review Laura Kern Film Comment Magazine Oct 20, 2014
[Foster and Harrelson's] interplay, on the job (ruining the day of one unfortunate person after the next) and off...provides the backbone of this erratically paced film. Go to Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Aug 10, 2022
Exceptional film. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Nov 29, 2020
6/10
A slice-of-life bit of realism from first time director Oren Moverman that doesn't have enough order or enough Woody Harrelson. Go to Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter Jun 18, 2020
Foster dazzles as a young man defusing the rage within. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Blake- N @PBSAniDom Jun 5, 2026 The Messenger is one of those rare war films that stayed with me long after it ended. Instead of focusing only on combat, it explores the emotional consequences of war in a deeply human and thoughtful way. That is a big reason why I had to rate it so highly. The performances are outstanding and feel completely authentic. The cast brings a tremendous amount of depth to their characters, making every interaction feel genuine and emotionally impactful. The film handles its subject matter with maturity and respect. What impressed me most was the writing and direction. The story never feels exaggerated or manipulative, allowing the emotional moments to develop naturally. The result is a film that is powerful without needing to rely on spectacle. Overall, The Messenger is an exceptional war drama that succeeds because of its strong storytelling, remarkable performances, and emotional honesty. It is one of the most memorable films in the genre that I have seen. I'd rate it a 10/10. See more 21 - Priyan B @Priyan Feb 7, 2026 Not an usual story. Rating: 7.2/10 See more thydcf0123 T @RT49965506 Feb 5, 2026 It shows the horrors of war without a single gunshot See more nate12403 T @RT16755355 Feb 25, 2025 Slow and somewhat depressing drama. The two lead actors are really good but the whole thing just parks dark clouds over you and they don't move. Very few moments of levity throughout the entire film. See more Kenneth W @RT11049790 Dec 11, 2024 The movie lost me within the first 5 minutes. I prefer movies that tell a valuable story without marring it with un-needed bad language and immoral scenes. I suggest that there are better films to consider. See more Robert K @RT54994856 Sep 21, 2024 This was a small but lovely film. Most movies concentrate on the combat aspects of war, but this one dealt only with the aftermath. This movie never relied on typical Hollywood gimmicks, just the bare emotions that only the victims of war will ever understand. I've never seen Ben Foster before, but his performance was incredible, and Woody, well let's just say that this was the best acting of his life in a long a varied career. This is an important movie, by adults, for adults. Catch it. See more Read all reviews
The Messenger

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Cast & Crew

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Oren Moverman

Director

Ben Foster

Will Montgomery

Woody Harrelson

Tony Stone

Samantha Morton

Olivia Pitterson

Jena Malone

Kelly

Steve Buscemi

Dale Martin

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The Messenger

(L-R) Woody Harrelson as Tony Stone and Ben Foster as Will Montgomery in "The Messenger." (L-R) Woody Harrelson as Tony Stone and Ben Foster as Will Montgomery in "The Messenger." A scene from the film "The Messenger." Woody Harrelson as Tony Stone in "The Messenger." (L-R) Ben Foster as Will Montgomery and Woody Harrelson as Tony Stone in "The Messenger." Samantha Morton as Olivia Pitterson in "The Messenger." Ben Foster as Will Montgomery in "The Messenger." Director Oren Moverman on the set of "The Messenger." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After being injured in Iraq, soldier Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) returns home to finish the rest of his tour of duty in the Army's Casualty Notification service. Teamed with veteran officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), Will tries to come to terms with his own pain while dealing with the cold realities of his new mission. Will finds himself in the grip of an ethical problem when he becomes involved with Olivia (Samantha Morton), the widow of a fallen soldier.
Director
Oren Moverman
Producer
Benjamin Goldhirsh, Mark Gordon
Screenwriter
Alessandro Camon, Oren Moverman
Distributor
Oscilloscope Pictures
Production Co
Sherazade Film Development, Oscilloscope Films, The Mark Gordon Company, Omnilab Media
Rating
R (Nudity|Language|Some Sexual Content)
Genre
Drama, Romance, War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 27, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 8, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.1M
Runtime
1h 52m
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