'Atropia' Delivers Satirical Take on U.S. Military Training Grounds

Hailey Gates' feature debut explores the surreal world of simulated war zones with humor and uneven execution.

The film, directed by Hailey Gates and starring Alia Shawkat, is set in a fictionalized version of U.S. military training camps that simulate foreign battlegrounds for soldier preparation.
'Atropia' blends satire and absurdist comedy, drawing on real-life elements like animatronics, staged ambushes, and sensory effects used in these training facilities.
While some critics praised Shawkat's performance and the film's surreal humor, others found its narrative disjointed and its commentary on U.S. military practices dated.
The movie includes a mix of slapstick humor, meta-commentary on Hollywood's portrayal of war, and a subplot involving a camp romance, though critics noted a lack of cohesion in tone and story.
Premiering at Sundance 2025, 'Atropia' is currently seeking distribution, with its unique premise sparking interest despite mixed reviews.