The Messenger follows the story of Will Montgomery, who has come back home to the United States after serving in the Iraq War. He is assigned to work in the Army's Casualty Notification service, where he is partnered with Tony Stone, an experienced Captain in the army.
Will and Tony's job is to notify the families of fallen soldiers about their loss, which is an emotionally challenging and difficult task. As they go from house to house, they must deal with the grief and pain of the families they visit. They also encounter different reactions, from anger and denial to sadness and acceptance.
Through this work, Will meets Olivia Pitterson, a young wife who has lost her husband in the war. Will and Olivia develop a bond as he delivers the heartbreaking news to her, and they begin to spend time together outside of the notification visits.
As Will and Tony continue their work, they both struggle with their own demons. Will is haunted by memories of his time in Iraq, and Tony struggles to maintain his sobriety. Their friendship is tested as they deal with the emotional toll their job takes on them.
The Messenger is a heartbreaking yet uplifting story about the cost of war, the power of human connection, and the importance of confronting one's inner demons. With powerful performances by Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, and Samantha Morton, the film is an emotional journey about the nature of grief and loss.