Film Review - Rex (2017)

Released on March 19th, 2018 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. REX (Megan Leavey US title) tells the true story of young Marine Corporal (Kate Mara) whos strong bond with her military combat dog Rex helped them save many lives including each other. However after a near-fatal event leaves Megan physically and mentally unable to continue service, she is sent home. Hoping to be able to take Rex with her as he experienced the same trauma as her, she is shocked to learn that the military is continuing to use him in war.

Leaving Megan to begin a campaign to bring her best friend and war hero Rex back to the USA so he can live out his days in a safe and loving home! But this fight could cost her everything, even Rex.

I went into this film knowing pretty much next to nothing about the true story, which I think went in my favour as I didn’t have any preconceptions of the film. All I can say is that the film was very very interesting and well done!

I really enjoyed the film and I am not really one for war films but this one, when offered stuck out to me because of the story of a bond between Megan and rex. I feel that this aspect was done so well.
Kate Mara I feel was a great fit for this role and I could totally believe her throughout the film. Wonderful performance on her part. I think this is a standout role in her career.

The film is well paced and has that good balance of the war scenes and the scenes of Megan back home in the USA and during downtime while in Iraq.

This is a story I feel that had to be told as I had no idea before about the way that these animals are treated while in service and now I am so grateful that there are people like Megan who fought for her companion dog to be given the chance o have a happy life outside of war.

Not to get to into political views but as an animal lover, I feel that It was just tough to watch these dogs be used and then most of them don’t even get to go home after serving in the war even though they work just as hard as the humans fighting.

In the end, I loved this film, it was emotional and gripping and I think it’s a wonderful piece of film and I am gutted it didn’t get a chance to get a bigger release.