Story perspectives

Atropia: Dark Comedy Satirizes U.S. Military Training

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The film Atropia, directed by Hailey Benton Gates, uses a fictional country to explore U.S. military training for Iraq.
Fayruz, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, becomes romantically involved with a soldier.
The film, currently in theaters, blends satire and dark comedy on war preparations.
It features a setting where soldiers must avoid harming desert tortoises during simulations.
Critics praise the ambitious tone and cast, reflecting Gates's War Is a Racket influence.

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Story summary

The film Atropia, directed by Hailey Benton Gates, uses a fictional country to explore U.S. military training for Iraq.
Fayruz, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, becomes romantically involved with a soldier.
The film, currently in theaters, blends satire and dark comedy on war preparations.
It features a setting where soldiers must avoid harming desert tortoises during simulations.
Critics praise the ambitious tone and cast, reflecting Gates's War Is a Racket influence.