Co-writer/director Tom Phillips and co-writer Joe Panebianco both make their filmic debut in the raw Between Wars. Franny (Shaun Paul Costello) has been back in the Bronx, at a VA hospital, for two months. He’s working in the tunnels and seeing a psychologist named Sarge (Michael Imperioli), who was also a Marnie. Despite his good intentions, Sarge cannot break through Franny’s walls. The man is suffering from PTSD as well as trauma stemming from his childhood.
However, two lights at the end of the tunnel show up. The first is Theresa (Juliette Valdez), who wants nothing more than to get back together with Franny. The second is Carlo (Dominic Chianese Jr.), a low-level underworld boss who promises Franny good money should the military veteran fight for him. But of course, what seems to be too good to be true must be. Now, Franny has inadvertently put himself, Theresa, and his best friend Eddie (Sean Michael Nugent) in danger.
Between Wars is akin to a Scorsese movie, if the legendary filmmaker never put his head up his a*s. It has the same gritty atmosphere and uses New York City as a character in similar ways. Phillips and Panebianco’s debut feels like Taxi Driver meets Raging Bull, in the best way possible. The streets teem with life, both mundane and intense. An early bar fight is filmed by bystanders, which adds realism. The way the gangs deal with problems, both internal and external, comes across as natural and makes sense.
“…Carlo, a low-level underworld boss who promises Franny good money should the military veteran fight…”
Costello has been steadily working since 2007. If every performance he’s given is as brilliant and nuanced as he gives here, it is a mystery as to why he isn’t a bigger star. Valdez matches him with power and warmth in every scene. Nugent is energetic, chaotic, and wild, and stuns in a tricky performance. He walks that fine line between annoying and likable. Chianese Jr. is sleazy in all the right ways, making him a real threat. Imperioli only has a handful of scenes, but he makes a huge impression. He’s tough yet caring, engaging yet single-minded. Boskoe 100 portrays gang leader Delgado. The actor is a natural, knowing that sometimes proving power is not about shouting, but about calmly taking someone down. The whole cast is brilliant.
Between Wars is directed just as wonderfully as it is written and acted. Phillips shows PTSD by projecting war imagery onto Franny and the background. The edges of the frame get fuzzy, and the lights warp. It is an excellent way to visually highlight the intensity and fragility of those experiencing PTSD. The underground fights are just as well filmed by director of photography Alastair Christopher. Each punch feels and looks like they hurt a lot. Finally, Harley Flanagan’s score is sublime, wonderfully adding to the emotional journey of the characters.
Between Wars is a must-see. It is dramatic, romantic, and full of action. It literally offers something for everyone. The acting is wonderful, and the direction is perfect. This may be a debut film, but it was made by filmmakers with something to say and a style to say it with.
"…feels like Taxi Driver meets Raging Bull, in the best way possible."
