The Vietnam War remains one of the most traumatic conflicts in U.S. history, with over 58,000 American soldiers killed and countless others left scarred by the horrors they experienced. An estimated 271,000 veterans suffer from severe PTSD, burdened by the violence they witnessed and the moral dilemmas they endured. A new psychological horror film, The Plastic Men, dives deep into the lasting effects of war on the human psyche, drawing inspiration from real-life experiences.
The Plastic Men follows Jonathan Teller, a Vietnam War veteran grappling with the invisible wounds of combat. Plagued by guilt, paranoia, and the psychological scars of war, Teller reaches the brink of despair, contemplating suicide as his only escape. However, a chance encounter forces him to confront his fractured sense of reality, posing compelling questions about the enduring nature of trauma and the elusive path to healing.
This gripping independent feature film comes from writer-director Samuel Gonzalez Jr. (known for The Retaliators), a veteran himself who brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to this portrayal of the veteran experience.
The film stars James Preston, best known for his role in Joshua Tree 1951: A Portrait of James Dean, who embodies the complex and troubled character of Jonathan Teller. Aaron Dalla Villa (The Wrath of Becky) also stars, while the legendary William Fichtner (Heat, The Dark Knight) lends his voice as the film’s narrator, bringing depth to Teller’s inner turmoil.
The Plastic Men examines the psychological toll of war and the struggles veterans face when returning to civilian life. Teller’s personal journey mirrors the real-life challenges faced by many veterans, dealing with trauma, guilt, and the silent scars of combat. With powerful performances and a thoughtful exploration of these themes, the film promises a moving and thought-provoking experience for audiences.
Produced by Matthew Hersh, Gigi Gustin (Night of the Missing), and Gregori J. Martin (The Bay), The Plastic Men also features Melanie Martyn as executive producer. Martyn and Gustin appear in the film, contributing to its rich and authentic portrayal of the veteran experience.
Gonzalez, reflecting on his inspiration for the film, shared, “After completing my first feature film, The Retaliators, I was searching for my next project. I stumbled upon a misplaced, lonely ad on Craigslist from a Vietnam veteran who was searching for the woman who saved his life almost 40 years ago. As a veteran myself, I understood his pain and his struggle to transition from the horrors of war back into normal life. In many ways, making this film became the ultimate therapeutic experience for me. I knew I had to tell his story. I called it The Plastic Men—a term coined to describe how Vietnam veterans were treated when they returned home: discarded and forgotten, like plastic toy army men. I hope this film resonates with anyone dealing with trauma, loss, PTSD, or mental illness. There is hope out there, even in the most unexpected places, and sometimes, you just need to give it ‘a moment.’”
The Plastic Men will be available on Amazon Prime starting March 11, 2025, offering a raw and powerful portrayal of a soldier’s struggle to survive the aftermath of war.
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