Body of War is an award-winning feature documentary that tells the intimate story of Tomas Young, a 25-year-old Iraq veteran paralyzed from a bullet to his spine. Produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, the film showcases two original songs by Eddie Vedder and follows Tomas as he battles with physical disability and finds his voice against the war. It is a raw and honest portrayal of how war affects us in body, mind, and soul.
The film follows two parallel stories—Tomas’s personal journey as he adapts to life in a disabled body while searching for dignity and purpose, as well as the historic debate in Congress about going to war in Iraq. We witness how difficult daily activities are for Tomas due to his paralysis, such as preparing for his wedding with his fiancé Brie. The emotionality and vulnerability of these scenes show viewers firsthand what it means to have no control over basic bodily functions.
In this touching documentary, we see Tomas’ strength and courage through incredible adversity as he struggles to cope with his disability yet still rises above it all. Body of War highlights how war can impact us on multiple levels—physically, mentally, spiritually—and poignantly illustrates its consequences through Tomas’ story. For those seeking understanding of what it truly means to experience war first hand, Body of War offers an extraordinary opportunity to gain insight into this brave young man’s remarkable journey. We encourage everyone to watch this inspiring documentary today!
