“Reveille” (2023), directed and written by Michael Akkerman, is a World War II drama that takes an intimate look at the human side of warfare. The film is set in November 1943, in central Italy, where an American squad clashes with German soldiers. After a fierce skirmish, both sides are forced to take refuge in a cave as artillery shells rain down around them. The American soldiers, led by the young Sarge (Jared Becker), must protect their wounded German prisoners, leading to a tense and morally complex situation.

The film explores deep themes of humanity and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in wartime. As the Americans and Germans are stuck together, they grapple with seeing their enemies as fellow human beings rather than just adversaries. The narrative focuses less on action and more on the psychological and emotional challenges of the characters, showcasing their development beyond stereotypical war film roles.

Cinematographer Cooper Shine captures the stark and claustrophobic environment of the cave, enhancing the film’s tense atmosphere. The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Yony Martin and Bernd Wittenben as German soldiers, and Maxwell David Marcus as one of the​.

“Reveille” has been praised for its detailed historical accuracy and its thought-provoking approach to the war genre, moving beyond the typical “good vs. bad” portrayal to highlight the shared humanity of all those involved in the conflict.