Hostiles

What does this film, set in the waning days of the Indian wars, tell us about forgiveness between two of the main characters, Captain Blocker and Chief Yellow Hawk, who had fought each other during the wars? Do they, in the end forgive, or come to a respectful understanding of each other? How does the fact that they are both warriors motivate the character arc of Blocker? How does the film-maker use the fact that Blocker is reading Julius Caesar’s history of the Gallic Wars? Is this supposed to bring to mind similar politics in American History, viz native tribes? What is the message sent about PTSD and reconciliation that is expressed in the story of the third main character, Rosalie Quaid? How do the differing reactions of the various characters illustrate the difference between moral injury and PTSD? What facilitates the moral healing between Blocker and Yellow Hawk? How does the relationship between Block and his men illustrate the racial integration that occurred in the West, and the role of shared adversity in forging the brotherhood of warriors? How does recognition of this bond also facilitate respect and reconciliation within Yellow Hawk? How does Sergeant Metz illustrate debilitating moral injury, guilt and remorse, with regard to atrocities? Why does he commit suicide, while Blocker and Yellow Hawk reconcile not only with each other, but with their own past atrocities?