• Release year: 2025
• Director: Marcellus Cox.
• Producers: Marcellus Cox and Eric Quincy.
• Screenplay by: Marcellus Cox.
• Cinematography by: Fabian Tehrani.
• Music by: Luke Richards.

Shotgun Commentary: beautiful exploration of veteran hardship, community, and addiction struggles.

Review

Liquor Bank is a short film that reflects on a very serious topic that has many ramifications: alcoholism in veterans. There is a systemic issue with the way the US manages its armed forces, there always has been. Works like this encourage the hard conversations that need to take place for things to change.

A discussion that needs to happen

This film touches upon many of the aforementioned ramifications of the issue. The main being alcoholism itself. The narrative is centred upon the main character, Eddie (Antwone Barnes), and the causes and consequences of his alcoholism. Eddie drinks because he feels alone. Because he doesn’t think he can fit in the society he found when he came back from his service.

This situation is a lot more devastating than it is shown in the short, claiming four times more lives than the post-9/11 conflicts. A devastating fact born from the lack of care veterans receive after their service. Not only in terms of mental health, but also in terms of reintegration into society.

They give years of their lives to a cause most of them barely understand, only to come back and find that nothing has changed, and they don’t even have the necessary formation to do any job. The problem has been brought up by different media before, from the Netflix series The Punisher (2017-2019) to features such as My Dead Friend Zoe (2024). However, as long as the situation remains so, it is the artists’ duty to keep bringing it up, and so they do in this fantastic short film.

The bandage

Liquor Bank also underlines the importance of a support system, whether that be family, friends, or support groups. Loneliness is the worst course of action when going through a rough patch, and yet it is the one that feels best. Eddie, like most people going through mental health issues, feels ashamed.

A feeling that pushes him to hide away, even when he knows there are people betting on him. The appearance of this somewhat contradictory nature of mental health issues in the short film proves great understanding of the subject. Furthermore, it makes the story relatable to anyone who has struggled with mental health, veteran or not.

The right talent

The story is gracefully supported by a great performance by Barnes, who conveys the raw emotions of his character without overdoing so. Thus making you feel for him and stay glued to the narrative until the very end. His performance is supported by that of Sean Alexander James in the role of Baker, Eddie’s sponsor.

He plays Jiminy Cricket to Eddie’s Pinocchio, offering the support and words of wisdom he definitely needs during this moment of relapse. James’ delivery is poised and strong, but also dimmed enough to let the light focus of Barnes’ character. Together, they make a great team that manages to get out as much as possible from the story.

All in all, Liquor Bank is a brief but mighty work that brings up a much-needed conversation. The execution is as good as the text, providing an experience that is just uncomfortable enough to get stuck in your head, and just emotional enough to reach your heart. A discreet and effective work by a wonderful group of professionals.

Advice to take from this movie:

• The US armed forces should focus less on how to recruit people and more on the future of said people after they finish their service.
• Mental health resources are crucial to save people and should be given the respect and protection they deserve.
• Having a community or a support system is crucial to make it through rough times.

What’s your take? Have you watched Liquor Bank? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀