MVP

MVP was a really beautiful and powerful film that really went low under the radar. Here we are in 2024 and I'm just now finding out about the film which was released in 2022. Nate Boyer who directed and stars in this film does a great job in front and behind the camera. The acting from the supporting cast is also pretty decent. This is a story that needs to be told about Veterans in the military and also Vererans from a professional sport who are finding it difficult living civilian lives after their profession. The film tackles fighting with suicide, post traumatic stress, brotherhood, family, and getting help. Loved to see a lot of cameos in this film from the NFL. Loved the title of this film as it stands for Merging Vets and players. The movie takes it time with the story it wants to tell and has a very powerful ending. MVP gets a very high rating of 8 stars out of 10.

Thank you for making this movie. Veteran suicide should be headline news every day. It was 22 a day in 2014 and still is today. There's just no way to describe the soul shattering that results from a family suicide. Losing my 27 yr. Old brother Elias who was from 2/7 Marines in 29 Palms to suicide was the closest to un-living I've ever gotten. I couldn't function in my daily life, work, or socialize normally for 3 years after it happened. Almost 9 years later, I've come to terms with his loss because of my belief he is still around me and my family. But I really believe his suicide brought me closer to feeling how he must've felt in the years after those 3 horrifying deployments. Powerless, helpless, alone and in deep pain that never seemed to end and was getting more complicated by the demands of daily life and relationships. If not for the help of loved ones during this dark depression I'm not sure where or who I'd be today. Thank you for making this movie and bringing attention to this epidemic and to the hope that lives in the community of veterans supporting each other. I really feel like that's where Elias felt he could be his most authentic self and live out his true purpose. The group of veterans and ex-athletes at MVP had the courage to show up for themselves and for their brothers and sisters and even more guts to show vulnerability. It was extremely touching and heartbreaking at the same time. Thank you for spreading hope.

As a retired disabled Veteran this hits home. Finally a fellow Veteran helps tell our story, our failures, nightmares and our struggles on a daily basis to fit in with society.

Incredible movie and Thank you for being a real life MVP to me and so many others. You help show that forner service members are human we just need help someone willing to take a chance and care about us. To others out in society we are just people who can't make it but it's difficult leaving the only job that a person knows and lives. Too many men and women are casualties back home and this movie is real. Thank you Mr. Nate Boyer and Balboa Productions.

Terrific first film by Nate Boyer, who directed, wrote and stars in this nuanced story about PTSD and trying to come home. 22 vets take their lives everyday on average, this film shines a light on that with absolute authenticity as Boyer was a green beret.

The acting was on point and shades of truthful storytelling (ie the photos of real vets who took their life) to casting some real vets went a long way to tell a unique story. No film will get closer to the lived in truth of these vets and to how we as a society can approach this subject matter than this one. Really appreciated the parallel of the football players but also loved that they also respected the obvious differences.

Go see it asap.

I was lucky enough to see this at a Florida film festival. Based on a true story, it resonates for all that have to make peace with their past, good and bad, as life moves forward. Nate Aboyer does an amazing job as the writer, director and lead actor. He stars as a veteran (former Marine) against Mo McRae as the recently retired NFL star. The two cross paths and learn that both need to find a new purpose. It could be told in a very dark way but I think this is a film for most ages as it's a perennially story to either reinvent ourselves or find a way to fit in. This film has tremendous heart.