The Messenger focuses on the aftermath of war, specifically our current war in Iraq/Afghanistan. The microfocus is on one soldier and his brand new assignment in the military’s Casualty Notification Unit. It’s a very tough job and is not made easy by his war injury, his relationship with his new mentor (a tough, efficient and depressed Captain played by Woody Harrelson) and his affection for the widow of a fallen soldier. The performances are very good and kept me attentive even though I was watching this on a transatlantic flight and was very tired.