An Accidental Soldier

If you want a drama that takes its characters as seriously as its plot, An Accidental Soldier is available in Australia on ABC iview, and in the US on Fawesome right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 11 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch it for Marie Bunel — one of the stronger performances out there right now. Put it on tonight on ABC iview and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, An Accidental Soldier earns its spot. An Accidental Soldier takes its time building the world its characters inhabit, and the patience pays off. An unexpected love story set in WW1 France between a young Australian baker who has deserted the front line, and a grieving French woman, who puts her own life at risk by sheltering him from the authorities. Marie Bunel and Dan Spielman lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2013. The writing trusts the audience to sit with ambiguity rather than wrapping everything up in a tidy conclusion — it is the approach that separates good drama from great. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Drama fans who appreciate slow-burn storytelling will feel right at home with An Accidental Soldier. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Marie Bunel anchors a cast that never overplays its hand. The kind of drama that stays with you well after the finale.