Hell and Back Again

Synopsis

Hell and Back Again is a powerful 2011 documentary directed by Danfung Dennis that provides an unflinching look at the physical and psychological toll of the war in Afghanistan. The film centers on U.S. Marine Sergeant Nathan Harris, who returns home with severe injuries after a tour in Helmand Province. Through intimate, immersive footage, the documentary explores Harris’s struggle to adapt to civilian life while grappling with the lasting effects of combat. The narrative captures both the harrowing realities of frontline warfare and the challenging journey of recovery and reintegration faced by many veterans. With its raw, honest portrayal, Hell and Back Again sheds light on the unseen scars left by war.

Cast

• Ashley Harris

  Herself

• Nathan Harris

  Himself

Reviews

Hell and Back Again received widespread critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and raw depiction of the Afghanistan war and its aftermath. On Rotten Tomatoes, the documentary holds a perfect 100% rating, with critics praising its evocative cinematography and emotional depth. The site’s consensus highlights the film’s ability to offer a gripping, human perspective on the cost of modern warfare. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 81 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics from major outlets commended the documentary's honest and personal approach; for example, The A.V. Club noted, "Dennis’s gripping footage and Harris’s candid reflections combine to create a sobering meditation on the cost of war." On IMDb, the film has a more moderate user rating of 6.4/10, reflecting some audience members' mixed responses, possibly due to the film’s intense and sometimes harrowing content rather than its quality. Overall, Hell and Back Again is widely regarded as a significant and moving documentary that humanizes the experience of soldiers and raises awareness about the challenges faced by veterans.