After the sudden disappearance of their superior, three young soldiers are left to guard a military vehicle by themselves. As their situation and the scorching desert heat renders them increasingly disconnected from reality, an encounter with a local boy escalates into a fight that will mark their lives forever.
Afghanistan is historically referred to as the Graveyard of Empires. This is due to invading forces consistently unable to maintain a successful occupation of the rugged country. Written by Jolein Laarman, “Do Not Hesitate” focuses on an isolated trio of Dutch soldiers separated from their unit in Afghanistan while dealing with the ramifications of the failed war strategy. Sharrif Korver’s direction along with precise cinematography by Nadim Carlsen has every frame full of arid nature nestled between an intimidating mountain range.
The three main characters Erik (Joes Brauers), Thomas (Tobias Kersloot), and Roy (Spencer Bogaert) have little in common besides being deployed. During a reconnaissance mission, their armored vehicle breaks down and several soldiers are tasked with protecting the equipment while waiting for roadside assistance. The symbolism of an expensive piece of military equipment incapable of moving was not lost on me. Their female platoon leader waits for orders and seems as befuddled by the circumstances as her subordinates.
The soldiers, bored and paranoid from potential attacks, lead them to accidentally kill a goat. The goat herder Khalil (Omar Alwan) is outraged by the death of his animal and demands restitution. While Khalil waits for his payment, Erik is polite while Thomas mumbles racist words in Dutch. Khalil is a teenager with big kind eyes and the troops tower over his childish frame. Although he’s little, he’s determined to get more than the fifty American dollars they offer as compensation for his dead goat. Erik does his best to make amends by offering a meal ready-to-eat of chicken.
Later that night while on guard duty, Erik peers through high-tech thermal imaging binoculars and spots Khalil sitting on the ridge. These night shots showcase the impressive talent of Carlsen as they highlight the diminishing feeling of nature. The night drags on and Erik is certain more enemies are hiding in the densely mountainous region. The score by Juho Nurmela and Ella van der Woude has creeping piano and a continuing drum solo throughout daytime scenes.
Eventually the commanding officer orders half the squad to form an observation post further south. This leaves Erik in command of Thomas and Roy. Thomas continues to be insubordinate but has moments like when he encourages his comrades to join in a brief dance-off. Afterward, Khalil shows up and asks how to heat up the MRE of chicken. Erik kindly heats some up and the child asks for seconds. Desperation sinks in when the three discover their commanding officer and squad have been kidnapped. Khalil begins shouting, possibly signaling others, which causes Thomas to bind and gag him. As rations begin to run low, the trio is forced to follow Khalil into the mountains for a water source and the film heads towards a shattering third act.
“Do Not Hesitate” recently had its World Premiere at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival
