Casualties of War

Editor Reviews

• Logan Price

  Rating: 6

  6

  September 14, 2025

  Casualties of War, directed by Brian De Palma, is a harrowing and often difficult watch, based on a true story of a squad of American soldiers who abduct and murder a young Vietnamese woman. Michael J. Fox, in a departure from his usual roles, plays Private Max Eriksson, the only soldier who refuses to participate and attempts to expose the crime. Sean Penn delivers a chilling performance as Sergeant Tony Meserve, the ruthless leader who instigates the atrocity. The film is a brutal exploration of morality in wartime, the abuse of power, and the courage it takes to stand up against evil, even when surrounded by it. It's a stark reminder that the enemy isn't always on the other side of the battlefield, and that the true cost of war extends far beyond the official casualties.