The Stopover (2016)

Emerging from the shadows of a harrowing tour in Afghanistan, childhood friends Aurore and Marine, along with their combat unit, find themselves transported to the sun-soaked shores of a five-star Cypriot resort. This unexpected oasis serves as the backdrop for a mandatory three-day decompression leave, intended to help them transition from the battlefield back to civilian life. In this seemingly idyllic setting, the unit is plunged into an immersive therapy experience, courtesy of cutting-edge virtual reality technology. The soldiers are encouraged to confront their darkest fears, reliving their haunting memories and deep-seated traumas. Amid the soothing lull of crashing waves, they dissect their failed strategies and psychological scars in a series of intense group therapy sessions. However, this therapeutic retreat isn't as tranquil as it appears. The echoes of war refuse to be silenced and the clashing reality of sunbathing tourists with their own struggles cannot fully mask the simmering aggression within the soldiers. As the days unfold, the tension escalates, threatening to erupt into a maelstrom of violence among these brothers-in-arms. This brief, surreal stopover isn't just a test of resilience for Aurore and Marine's enduring friendship, but it also strains the bonds of their entire unit. The Stopover is a poignant exploration of the challenge of leaving behind the horrors of war, a stark reminder that not all battles are fought on the frontlines.

The Stopover is a drama movie featuring SoKo and directed by Delphine Coulin.

The Stopover is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on OVID.

It is also possible to buy The Stopover on Amazon Video and Apple TV.