The lasting impact of war: A journey through ‘In Waves and War’
A new perspective on the ‘forever war’
Every American soldier has left Afghanistan, but the echoes of their experiences continue to resonate deeply within them. The documentary “In Waves and War” by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen offers a poignant exploration of this enduring struggle. The film delves into the lives of three Navy SEALs who, years after retiring from the military, are still grappling with the psychological scars of multiple deployments. The title, inspired by a passage from “The Odyssey,” encapsulates the essence of moving beyond suffering to embark on new adventures.
The promise of unconventional treatments
The documentary introduces viewers to an emerging movement that seeks to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the use of two hallucinogens: ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. Ibogaine is derived from the bark root of the iboga tree in Gabon, while 5-MeO-DMT is extracted from Sonoran Desert toads. This potent combination is presented as a potential miracle drug, offering a new hope for those who have found little relief from traditional treatments.
The journey of healing
The first phase of the treatment, which lasts upwards of 12 hours, is depicted through artfully animated sequences. These visuals illustrate how users can tap into long-buried memories and emotions in a way that is both confrontational and cathartic. One veteran, for instance, finds himself on the set of “The Wonder Years,” a childhood favorite that shaped his ideal of family life—a stark contrast to his own upbringing. A clinician describes ibogaine as “sandblasting” the psyche, while 5-MeO-DMT, referred to as “the toad,” polishes it, ultimately helping the user feel whole again.
The challenge of accessibility
Despite the promising results, both substances remain illegal in the United States. As a result, those interested in trying them must travel to Mexico. This journey is not just a physical one; it also requires a willingness to confront deeply buried emotions in a ritualistic setting that some may find daunting.
Personal transformations
“In Waves and War” is framed by before-and-after interviews with veterans who undergo the treatment. Some express suicidal thoughts prior to the experience, but all seem virtually transformed by it. This is not an infomercial, however. Shenk and Cohen, known for their work on documentaries like “Athlete A” and “Audrie & Daisy,” bring their focus on pressing social issues to this film. The most wrenching sequences are not about the hallucinogens themselves but the lived experiences of the three veterans for whom every other treatment had failed.
The veterans’ stories
Marcus Capone, Matty Roberts, and DJ Shipley each spent significant time in Afghanistan. Their stories bring to mind the opening quotation from “The Hurt Locker”: “The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug.” These men seem born for military life, yet no amount of training or mental fortitude can truly prepare one for the horrors of war and its lingering aftereffects. Each lost several comrades and suffered their own injuries, both visible and invisible.
A focused narrative
The filmmakers’ focus on these three men lends “In Waves and War” an intimate quality. However, the film could have expanded its scope without losing sight of its main subjects. It does not delve into why ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT remain illegal or whether there is a significant push to reschedule them. Nor does it include much input from the Stanford researchers studying these drugs.
A compelling watch
Despite these limitations, the main trio’s stories are compelling enough to sustain the film. Hearing them talk about their struggles, including moments of suicidal ideation, makes “In Waves and War” a difficult but essential watch. The urge to hear the rest of their story is always stronger than the urge to turn away.
For those interested in exploring more about the documentary, you can watch the trailer for In Waves and War.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and personal perspective on the documentary “In Waves and War”, highlighting the emotional and psychological journeys of the veterans featured in the film. By integrating insights and reflections, the article seeks to engage cinema and TV series enthusiasts, offering them a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of war and the potential of unconventional treatments for PTSD.