Before I began watching Chad Faust’s Ballistic, I knew it would be a challenging watch because of what it discusses. Nevertheless, this film, starring Lena Headey in a central role, is not only crucial and needed, especially in a current political and sociological landscape. It’s also thought-provoking, moving, and one that resonates with you, despite being a slow burn at times. 

Ballistic starts off the bat. It tells a story of Nance (Headey), a hard-working woman who works in a munitions factory inspecting 5.56 NATO rounds, all while supporting her pregnant daughter-in-law (Amybeth McNulty) while Nancy’s son Jesse (Jordan Kronis) serves in the U.S. military in Afghanistan. However, their idyllic life is shattered when Jesse is murdered during one of military operations. Nancy’s life suddenly shatters and loses all meaning. Her grief is so overwhelming that she begins to neglect her daughter-in-law, herself, and everyone around. All this stems from not only grief but an instinct telling her that something is amiss regarding her son’s tragic death. Matters go from bad to worse when Nancy discovers that the bullet that killed her son came from a factory where she works. The woman sets out on a chase to find a person responsible for her son’s death.

Ballistic works on multiple different levels. On one hand, it bestows upon us a story of grief, of motherhood, of how far some mothers are willing to go for their children. It shows us the kind of unconditional love that defies everything. Said unconditional love perseveres in Nancy throughout the film, even as her son is already gone. On another hand, it’s a thought-provoking storyline that touches upon themes of war profiteering, moral culpability, and mental health. What connects those together is Nancy’s guilt. Through her, we get a complex character’s study, and it showcases us just how much more difficult it is to lose someone if you feel responsible for their death in one way or another.

I’ve been following Lena Headey’s filmography for years now. It all started for me in middle school with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, then Imagine Me & You, and, you guessed it, all the way to the Game of Thrones days. She has a true talent to embody any character she’s given and does so phenomenally – it’s no different with Ballistic. The way she portrays grief and need of revenge is palpable through the screen. There is one particular scene that really broke me in which her character half-cries, half-yells in the bathtub, her expression filled with sorrow, pain, and grief. For me, it’s one of the most memorable scenes. 

McNulty, too, is an integral part of the story, remaining a last tie to reality for Nancy, one person who can bring her back from the path of destruction. Kronis as Jesse is as touching as he is a presence in the memories of those who lost him. Last but not least – Hamza Haq. As Khalil, he’s Nancy’s counterpoint, a sobering presence that provides a picture of the things just as they are: bleak. His character plays a big part in Nancy’s development and, especially, the emotional finale. 

Ballistic isn’t packed with combat sequences or fast-paced rhythm. It’s careful and it’s methodic, just like Nancy’s calculated actions. It may be too slow for some audiences, but its message is so worthy of viewing. 

 Grade: C+

Ballistic is now available in cinemas and on-demand.