Director: Paul Gross
Starring: Paul Gross, Rossif Sutherland, Allan Hawco, Christine Horne
Genre: War Drama / Military Thriller
Runtime: 120 minutes

Introduction

Paul Gross’s Hyena Road (2015) is a Canadian war film that ambitiously attempts to blend battlefield realism with geopolitical intrigue. Set during the Afghanistan War, the film follows a team of elite soldiers, intelligence operatives, and a legendary mujahideen fighter as they navigate the treacherous landscape of insurgency and shifting alliances. While praised for its authenticity and action sequences, Hyena Road struggles with uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters, leaving it as a respectable but flawed entry in modern war cinema.

Plot Summary

The film centers on three interconnected narratives:

1. The Soldiers – A Canadian sniper team, led by Captain Pete Mitchell (Paul Gross), is tasked with securing a critical road (“Hyena Road”) to support coalition forces. Their mission becomes increasingly perilous as Taliban forces regroup.
2. The Spy – Intelligence officer Jennifer Bowman (Christine Horne) works to turn a high-ranking Taliban leader, relying on a shadowy Afghan informant.
3. The Ghost – A legendary mujahideen fighter known as “The Ghost” (Neamat Arghandabi) re-emerges, complicating the battlefield with his own agenda.

As these stories converge, the soldiers face impossible choices between duty, survival, and the murky morality of modern warfare.

Strengths

1. Authentic Combat Sequences

• The film’s greatest strength is its realistic depiction of modern warfare. The firefights, sniper duels, and IED scenes are tense and well-choreographed.
• Gross consulted with military advisors, and it shows—the tactics, radio chatter, and equipment feel genuine.

2. Strong Performances

• Rossif Sutherland stands out as sniper Sergeant Ryan Sanders, bringing a quiet intensity to his role.
• Neamat Arghandabi as “The Ghost” is magnetic, embodying the enigmatic warrior with gravitas.
• Paul Gross (who also wrote and directed) delivers a solid, if somewhat understated, performance as the mission’s leader.

3. Respect for the Afghan Perspective

Unlike many Western war films, Hyena Road gives voice to Afghan characters, particularly through “The Ghost,” who serves as a bridge between cultures. His presence adds depth to the usual “us vs. them” narrative.

4. Cinematography & Setting

Shot in Jordan (doubling for Afghanistan), the film captures the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. The dusty outposts and sprawling valleys add to the immersion.

Weaknesses

1. Uneven Pacing & Structure

• The film juggles too many subplots, leading to a disjointed narrative. The intelligence storyline feels underdeveloped, while the sniper missions dominate.
• The middle act drags, losing momentum before the climactic battle.

2. Underwritten Characters

• Aside from Sanders and The Ghost, most characters lack depth. Jennifer Bowman’s espionage subplot is intriguing but rushed.
• The emotional beats (e.g., soldiers bonding, moral dilemmas) don’t land as powerfully as they should.

3. Missed Political Complexity

While the film hints at the complexities of the Afghan conflict (tribal loyalties, Western intervention), it often falls back on familiar war movie tropes rather than digging deeper.

4. Predictable Climax

The final battle is well-executed but follows a conventional “last stand” formula, lacking the unpredictability of films like Lone Survivor or The Hurt Locker.

Themes & Relevance

1. The Fog of War

The film explores how modern warfare blurs the lines between ally and enemy, mission and morality.

2. The Cost of Intervention

Through “The Ghost,” the film questions whether foreign forces truly understand—or can fix—Afghanistan’s endless cycle of conflict.

3. Brotherhood & Sacrifice

Like all war films, Hyena Road honors soldiers’ camaraderie, though it doesn’t break new ground in this regard.

Final Verdict

Hyena Road is a well-intentioned, technically proficient war film that falls short of greatness due to narrative flaws. It’s worth watching for its action and authenticity but doesn’t reach the emotional or intellectual heights of the genre’s best.

Rating: 6.5/10

“A solid but uneven war drama—strong in combat realism, weak in storytelling depth.”

Who Should Watch?

• Military buffs who appreciate realistic battle scenes.
• Fans of modern war films like American Sniper or Kajaki.
• Viewers interested in Canadian perspectives on the Afghan War.