New Film Depicts Veteran’s Grief Through Unique Lens

VERONA, Wis. — Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, a filmmaker who began making movies as a teenager, has released his debut feature film, which explores the grief experienced by a veteran after the loss of a friend. The film, titled “[Now Untitled],” draws inspiration from Hausmann-Stokes’ own experiences serving in Iraq.

Hausmann-Stokes aimed for authenticity in portraying the struggles of veterans, enlisting a cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Sonequa Martin-Green. He emphasized, “I wanted to change the narrative on how we veterans are portrayed in film and television.” As such, scenes depicting group therapy were improvised with actors who are also veterans, ensuring a genuine representation.

Despite receiving accolades, the film was pulled from theaters due to low ticket sales. It is currently available for streaming on various platforms, such as Apple TV and Prime Video. Hausmann-Stokes discussed his experience on WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show,” sharing details of his film’s journey.

“It’s an autobiographical film. It’s a dark comedy and a drama. There’s a core friendship at the center of the film between two women who are Afghanistan veterans,” he mentioned during the interview. The film delves into the complexities of military service and its impact on personal relationships.

The casting process for Hausmann-Stokes was both strategic and personal. After writing and refining the script for two years, he reached out to Harris with a compelling letter, which ultimately led to a meeting at a café in Malibu. Following his pitch, Harris agreed to join the project without hesitation. Hausmann-Stokes remarked, “We’ve been friends since.”

He humorously recalled his initial interaction with Freeman as “Airman First Class Freeman, this is Staff Sergeant Hausmann,” highlighting the camaraderie among those who have served.

Addressing the portrayal of veterans, Hausmann-Stokes expressed concern over the tropes associated with military characters. “We often get reduced to a trope. We’re either super soldiers or broken individuals,” he explained. He aims to depict the reality of veterans’ lives, emphasizing that they are often invisible in society.

Moreover, Hausmann-Stokes hopes to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), noting that it can affect anyone who has undergone trauma, not just military personnel. He affirmed, “PTSD is a normal reaction to an abnormal experience.” He seeks to normalize discussions about mental health and reduce stigmas.

Through the film, he intends to shed light on the multifaceted lives of veterans, showcasing that they are more than just their service. “Most of us are completely invisible to the country because we’ve done our thing and we’ve blended back into society,” he concluded.