Sundance film review: ‘Atropia’
Among the many films at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, there was one title on everyone’s lips: “Atropia.” Winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize in the dramatic competition, “Atropia” is a film whose synopsis alone piques a wide range of interests.
In this satirical war film set in the early to mid-2000s, viewers follow an actress named Fayruz working in fake country Atropia for the U.S. military that simulates an Iraqi war zone to train new troops. Fayruz falls in love with returned Iraq soldier Abu Dice playing an insurgent. Their romance threatens their aspirations and sparks a debate regarding military allegiance and Atropia.
The film opens with a quote by Ambrose Bierce: “War is God’s way of teaching Americans geography.” This immediately draws the viewers in and prepares them to look for the deeper meaning behind the satire. It prompted nervous laughter from the audience that only grew throughout the film’s runtime.
The structure of the film does not skip a beat — its ability to go from sensual and serious to having viewers laughing within a heartbeat was impressive. The witty remarks of the young American soldiers, paired with the heaviness of their lack of understanding of the Iraq War directly reflected the opening quote’s commentary on American ignorance.
A unique stand out of the film is Abu Dice’s war flashbacks. The film uses silenced soldiers’ body cam footage from Iraq to portray Abu Dice’s flashbacks, which is done in such a way so it truly feels like the viewers are experiencing the war flashback with him.
About one-third of the way through the film, viewers learn Fayruz is pregnant in a beautifully cinematic scene invoking biblical imagery. Having a pregnant lead is such an unsung narrative seen in films, and the added perspective of Fayruz becoming a mother only served to elevate her character.
As the two characters delve into what it means to be Iraqi and learn to grow from each other’s identities, it brings American viewers along on what becomes a love letter to a country many of us have been taught to hate.
A big part of the love for the country comes from the film’s well-done costuming. The use of traditional Iraqi clothing starkly contrasting American military uniforms spoke volumes about what this film will mean to different and diverse audiences, especially as Abu Dice undergoes his role as an insurgent and then is made to put back on his military uniform. Seeing this change reminds viewers of the people behind the clothing we associate with war time.
There is never a dull moment in “Atropia.” The hilarious dialogue, stunning imagery and beyond-brilliant performances create a narrative that leaves viewers with a newfound perspective on war. The chaotic clashing of ideas and narratives about war from a returned white soldier and an Iraqi woman who has never been to her ancestral home is portrayed with grace and resolution.
Similar to its opening, the film closes by explaining there are many military towns throughout the country and the only difference between now and when “Atropia” takes place is the language now spoken is Russian.
A stunning take on a 14-year-old war, “Atropia” delves into the lives of those who find themselves in the midst of war with nothing but love for a country worth their lives.