The Messenger
Seen it?2009 | 113 min | Drama, Romance, War
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved The Hurt Locker or Wag the Dog, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Will Montgomery, a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who has returned home from Iraq, is assigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification service. Montgomery is partnered with Captain Tony Stone, to give notice to the families of fallen soldiers. The Sergeant is drawn to Olivia Pitterson, to whom he has delivered news of her husband’s death.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Berlin award: 59th Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear - Best Screenplay. Won 1 Independent Spirit Award: 25th Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Male. Also nominated for 1 Golden Globe, 1 SAG Award and 2 Critics' Choice Awards. Plus 4 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $7 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 236K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Hurt Locker Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed military war drama.
Wag the Dog
Saturday SpecialAlso stars Woody Harrelson, in another military drama, and a Saturday Special.
Stop-Loss
Weeknight WatchAnother military war drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Thank You for Your Service
Sunday Safe BetAnother military war drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk Weeknight WatchAnother military war drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Oren Moverman
- Ben FosterWill Montgomery
- Woody HarrelsonTony Stone
- Jena MaloneKelly
- Eamonn WalkerStuart Dorsett
- Samantha MortonOlivia Pitterson
- Steve BuscemiDale Martin
- Dale SoulesCashier
- Stevie Ray DallimoreKelly's Father
- Michael ChernusAlan
- Yaya DaCostaMonica Washington