In Waves and War: Ehemalige Navy SEALs in Therapie (2024) YTS

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Brent Marchant 7 / 10

The stresses of combat are virtually impossible to

The stresses of combat are virtually impossible to fathom. It’s any wonder how anyone could somehow survive such trying conditions. That’s especially true for those assigned to special forces units, the soldiers who take on the particularly tough missions, such as the members of the Navy SEALs. Considering what they go through, given their high-risk operations and multiple war zone deployments, it’s no surprise that they suffer the debilitating effects of conditions like PTSD and wrestle with issues like uncontrollable rage, memory loss and suicidal thoughts. And, to make matters worse, many of the treatments they have been given upon returning home are often ineffective (sometimes even making things worse). However, as this revealing documentary from directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk shows, there’s much hope for these veterans from a new – and unexpected – therapy: psychedelic drug treatment. The film follows the experience of three SEAL team members (Marcus Capone, DJ Shipley, Matty Roberts) who came back from multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq seriously in need of help. With nothing left to lose, they decided to give this radical new treatment a shot. The program employs the administration of two substances: ibogaine, a bark derivative from the African iboga plant, and 5-MeO-DMT, a secretion from the exterior of the Sonoran Desert toad. Both hallucinogens are illegal in the US, so patients need to travel to Mexico to partake of the treatment. Much to the skeptical soldiers’ astonishment, however, they experienced miraculous relief from these remedies, which, though psychedelic in nature, are rooted in the folk medicine of indigenous peoples. The after-effects of their combat duty virtually disappeared after their initial drug treatments, in large part because the substances opened up their consciousness and revealed aspects of their inner selves that drove the development of their symptoms, conditions that had long been hidden and actually arose from personal experiences that occurred prior to their military service. While their wartime ordeals undeniably had an impact on them, they effectively masked the root cause; it was actually the underlying trauma that occurred previously that was responsible for their challenges, insights that might not have been revealed were it not for the therapy with psychedelics. In that sense, then, this treatment represents not only a potential breakthrough for distressed soldiers returning from war, but also possibly for anyone seeking to recover from other kinds of long-buried trauma as well. This is a truly remarkable story with the potential to provide much-needed relief for many. However, it’s somewhat disappointing that the film doesn’t always do the best job of imparting this information. For example, the picture comes up a little short on connecting the various dots involved in this narrative. In addition, it could use more background on the particulars of how the substances function and on the work of the researchers who developed, tested and administered the treatment in the first place. What’s more, with all due respect to the patients and their service, their wartime recollections could use some paring back in favor of other aspects of the story that could use more attention. To its credit, though, “In Waves and War” is a truly cathartic, heartfelt journey, made all the more authentic by its raw emotion, revelatory insights and joyful experience of recovery, all expressed through uncensored interviews and coupled with treatment depictions illustrated through inventive animation. It’s heartbreaking but also heartwarming to witness what these heroes endured, but who also managed to find a way to come back from this turmoil, both on the battlefield and off.

Reviewed by Steve-50802 7 / 10

I can understand why some people have given this documentary a low rating-though I don't agree. The first half is genuinely captivating, especially hearing directly from the SEALs. The second half, however, shifts into psychedelic therapy, and I'll admit-it's definitely strange. At times it almost looks like some kind of voodoo magic. I get why that might turn some viewers off.That said, anyone who's experienced EMDR for PTSD knows that can seem pretty weird too-but it works. I don't fully understand how psychedelic therapy could have the effects it claims, but I'm willing to believe it's possible. Overall, I think the film is worth watching, and I hope we'll see more peer-reviewed research in the future to support the powerful testimonials shared here.I hope this film reaches other veterans struggling with PTSD-and that it might help them find the kind of healing they deserve.

Reviewed by imdb-767-417450

More Lost at Home Than on the Battlefield

I was deeply moved by this documentary. It brings to light the silent catastrophe of the challenges Navy SEAL veterans face after their service. One number struck me profoundly: 4.3 suicides for every person killed in combat. That alone is a stark, horrifying testament to the invisible wounds carried by these extraordinary individuals.I am immensely grateful to the veterans who agreed to participate and share their experiences. Watching them, I was struck again and again by how similar their struggles are and how, despite the best therapeutic efforts, trauma of this magnitude often leaves people powerless. These are exceptional people with exceptional skills facing the very worst imaginable, and the consequences of that clash are, unsurprisingly, devastating. It doesn't take a doctor to understand that - yet so few outside the military seem to realize it. That, to me, is the real scandal.The documentary also highlights an experimental psychedelic treatment. While I find this path fascinating and appreciate its historical roots in traditional shamanic practices, it's important to be critical. The film sometimes feels like an infomercial. There is no control group, the placebo effect is untested, and such treatments are not without serious risks - bad trips can occur. It is not a therapy for everyone. We must also be cautious of commercialization; if pharmaceutical companies and opportunists get involved, this promising avenue could be industrialized and exploited, creating new problems.That said, the documentary is a gift. Its portrayal of courage, vulnerability, and the often unseen cost of extraordinary service is invaluable. Everyone, whether in psychiatry, psychology, or simply a compassionate viewer, should watch it. If it's not your thing, that's fine - you can pass. But this is a gift worth opening, even if just to witness the reality faced by these remarkable veterans.

In Waves and War: Ehemalige Navy SEALs in Therapie

2024

Action / Documentary

In Waves and War: Ehemalige Navy SEALs in Therapie

2024

Action / Documentary

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Movie Reviews

The stresses of combat are virtually impossible to

More Lost at Home Than on the Battlefield

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