We can only imagine how jarring it must be to return home from the violence and horror of war, and how difficult it is to assimilate back into society. Hell or High Seas helps audiences understand the devastating impact this challenging transition from terrifying combat to quiet civilian life has on soldiers.
Post-war PTSD is a well-tread subject in both war narratives and documentaries, but Hell or High Seas tells a unique true story of resilience. The poignant documentary also raises awareness of how prevalent suicide is amongst the veteran community.
After leaving the service, Navy Rescue Swimmer Taylor Grieger felt rudderless and despondent, especially when countless of his comrades took their own lives upon returning home. He decided to honor them by embarking on a dangerous voyage through the Atlantic and around Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America — one of the most notoriously grueling sailing spots in the world. Grieger traveled with his friend Stephen O'Shea, fellow veteran John Rose, and Navy Aviation Swimmer Kellen Warner.
Filmmaker Glenn Holsten deftly intertwines various shooting styles, from up-close personal video diaries to gorgeous ocean vistas. The quiet beauty of the sweeping seas and rolling skies is a tranquil respite from the horrors of combat. By focusing on the mission, Grieger was able to channel his depression into an arduous but ultimately rewarding accomplishment. Beautiful animations are used to portray moments that were not filmed, giving the film a creative edge. The talking-head interviews of ex-soldiers are cutting and vulnerable, openly pointing out the important truth that one does not just have to be a combat veteran to suffer war trauma. Grieger recalls how he popped pills to make it through 13-hour days of helicopter rescue where he never found a single soul.
Their trip is not without peril: they hit a coral reef, battle storms, get into a fight, and face pirates. Eventually, their boat Old Lady gets too damaged for them to continue. They launch a successful Kickstarter campaign to get it fixed and complete their journey, simultaneously raising awareness for veterans' mental health.
The personal revelations made in Hell or High Seas can be unnerving, as the soldiers hold nothing back in terms of their deep trauma — but this candidness encourages other veterans to seek help if they are struggling. Hell or High Seas depicts a moving journey of self-discovery that offered soldiers catharsis from their past suffering. It is a beautifully constructed documentary that, much like its courageous subjects, is told with open-hearted bravery and an adventurous spirit.