By Tim McGroarty

Based on a true story, “In the Valley of Elah” tells of a soldier returning home from Iraq who is found murdered, chopped up into pieces and burnt to the bone. The soldier’s father, ex-military officer Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones), does not like the way the police are handling the case and takes it upon himself to ask his own questions, clashing with the local police and members of his son’s military bass. Deerfield is relentless in getting information to find out what really happened – something his position in the army helps him with.

Then there’s Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), who at first just wants to get through her job. Soon, however, she too becomes wrapped up in discovering what really happened to Deerfield’s son. The two have great chemistry together, as their varied personalities offer different perspectives on what has happened. Videos recovered from Deerfield’s son’s cell phone it throughout set the film’s pace. Each video brings them closer to the truth but the search only intensifies and the mystery grows with every lead.

The film’s title is taken from the Bible, where David stood up against Goliath. There, Jones’ character represents David with every suspect he takes on representing Goliath.

This follow up to “Crash” does not have interlocking stories like his previous Oscar-winning work. Instead, it is told from beginning to end in a much more straight-forward fashion. Haggis’s camerawork has also greatly improved. Instead of digital film, which “Crash” was filmed on, “In the Valley of Elah” benefits from Haggis’ decision to use old-fashioned film, especially when it features the beautiful scenery of Tennessee.

Haggis also has an uncanny ability to bring out great performances from all of his actors. The performance from Jones is his best in years, while Theron’s is not strong in what she says, but in what her on-screen silences convey and accomplish. There is also a short appearance from Susan Sarandon that is particularly powerful.

A powerful, anti-war film that shows what war can do to people, “In the Valley of Elah” touches on many themes, including the horror of war, the impossibly difficult decisions made in combat, the importance of family, the need for strong relationships and the damage of post-traumatic stress disorder. The film has great writing and many powerful moments for the actors. The story is captivating, locking viewers in from beginning to end and leaving them wanting to know what happened to Deerfield’s son. Even as the film’s theme is over-sold and splashed in the viewer’s faces a bit too much at the end, it ultimately adds sufficient closure to the film.

Out now, “In the Valley of Elah” has Tommy Lee Jones turning to Charlize Theron for help solving the mystery of his soldier son’s death. (AllMoviePhotos.com)