At first glance, The Militia, writer-director Dylan King Welter’s second film, seems like some far-right puff piece of extremist propaganda. Happily, unlike the inexplicably beloved Civil War, this is far more nuanced than the broad framework of the story initially suggests. But is that enough to recommend it?
Daniel (Sam Williamson) is taken by his dad, Lee (Michael Broderick), to get a pistol for the boy’s 17th birthday. Daniel is overwhelmed with excitement, as he wants little more than to join his father’s militia, but has to wait one more year. So, Daniel and his friends — John (Noah Aronstein), Russ (Scott Callenberger), Sammy (Elliott Daggett), and Tyler (Solomon Puckett) — have created a mini-militia dubbed “The Wild Bunch.” They train using airsoft guns and practice the same maneuvers as the adults. While driving home from the gun range on his birthday, Daniel and Lee get pulled over by Sheriff Webb (Luke Stratte-McClure) due to expired plates. During this stop, the law enforcement officer sees several guns that Lee does not have registered. So, Sheriff Webb arrests Lee, which sends him, Lee, and Daniel down a dangerous path. It gets worse when Lee skips town, and Daniel hits upon a radical plan to protect his family in the way he believes his father would want him to.
A young member of “The Wild Bunch” readies himself at the gun range in The Militia, showcasing the film’s intense focus on youth radicalization and tactical obsession.
“…Daniel and his friends…have created a mini-militia dubbed ‘The Wild Bunch.’”
The Militia highlights the utter contradiction of choosing which laws are correct and which are not. Lee goes on a tirade about how nobody gets pulled over for expired plates, nor does he bat an eye as the militia members take him out of the courtroom while fully armed. However, Lee tells Daniel that some laws are acceptable in certain places. On the other hand, Lee and Elinor (Laurel Feierbach), Lee’s wife and Daniel’s mother, are very caring and attentive parents. Daniel’s friends have his back, going along with his crazy schemes and supporting him even after a big fight and a pseudo-tragedy. Webb is the most interesting character from a writing standpoint because he’s calm, collected, and genuinely wants the law to be followed. He even chastises his deputies when they get a little too gun-crazy or bullish. He’s not a bad man, and he does not view the militia as inherently evil. Again, this is very nuanced and compelling material, but to say more would spoil a significant portion of the third act.
Williamson is fantastic as Daniel. His conviction is never in question, and he sells the ending perfectly. Stratte-McClure excels as the sheriff who tries to de-escalate as best he can. Broderick brings a lot of gravitas to his part, convincingly portraying a man who loves his family while also fearing the law. Feierbach projects a lot of confidence and love while maintaining a level head.
The Militia is an engaging drama about individuals with deeply flawed beliefs about the government and the law. However, the writing is astute enough to recognize that some of these beliefs stem from one’s upbringing, and a few were never intended to be passed on; actions speak louder than words. No one is entirely bad, and no one is entirely good; that middle ground is where human empathy lies.
"…engaging..."
