Set in 2008, seven years after the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, The Drummer draws attention to the mental health issues faced by Army servicemen and women following multiple deployments in Iraq. Focusing on three individuals, this serious drama deals with post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual harassment, and suicide. It is also an anti-war film.
Directed by Eric Werthman, the story centers on the efforts of one compassionate and skillful lawyer who has a personal interest in helping soldiers obtain discharges from the Army, and who is determined to compel The Army to address the debilitating effects of war.
Vietnam veteran Mark Walker (Danny Glover) is a lawyer and political advocate working out of a small internet café called “The Drummer” in Watertown, New York—near Fort Little Drum. Walker files cases to help servicemen and women receive honorable discharges from the Army.
An anti-war activist, Walker also wants to use the cases he is pursuing to draw media attention to the mental health suffering of soldiers in hopes of changing Army policy. Walker wants his cases to be about something bigger than the individual soldier. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from the Vietnam War, Walker carries the dog tags of a fellow serviceman dangling from the rear-view mirror in his car. In the film, Walker and his supporters are planning a rally to support anti-war efforts.
Corporal Darien Cooper (Sam Underwood) is about to receive his orders for a third deployment. With a wife and infant, Cooper suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and does not want to return for another deployment. The Army concludes he is fit to deploy, but Cooper fears he is losing control. When Cooper learns Mark Walker helps soldiers obtain discharges, he goes to see Walker and considers asking Walker to help him.
Specialist Cori Gibson (Prema Cruz) has been AWOL (absent without leave) for six months. After two tours of duty, Cori is unable to sleep at night; she suffers from trauma resulting from sexual harassment and harsh treatment by her staff sergeant and company commander. Cori is afraid and her grandmother takes her to see Walker. Walker convinces Cori to turn herself in, telling her he will work with the judge advocate general (JAG) captain on the base once Cori returns there.
Walker convinces Cori to attend a press conference with him, so Walker can bring these issues to public attention. At the meeting with the press, soldiers from the base arrest Walker, severely question her, and decide to place her in a psychiatric hospital. Cori escapes from the base while Walker is speaking with Army personnel. Is Corie contemplating suicide? What will Cooper decide to do? You can watch the film to find out.
Slow-moving at times, the film renders a somber, contemplative tone about the devastating effects of war. Danny Glover delivers a strong performance. Strong optional for drama collections in public libraries or psychology professors teaching about PTSD in the military.