Watch From Shock to Awe

From Shock to Awe is a powerful documentary film that explores the journey of two combat veterans – Mike Cooley and Matt Kahl – as they seek to overcome their symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the use of psychedelic medicine. Directed by Luc Côté and Janine Sagert, the film is a moving and raw exploration of the impact of war on the human psyche and the potential role of non-traditional therapies in healing the wounds of war.

The film opens with a series of gripping testimonies from several veterans, including Cooley and Kahl, as they describe the horrors of war and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. The film then follows Cooley and Kahl as they embark on a journey to heal their PTSD through the use of ayahuasca, a powerful plant-based medicine that has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in South America. Through their experiences with the medicine, Cooley and Kahl confront their inner demons, revisiting traumatic events from their past and working to overcome the emotional scars left by war.

Despite the illegal status of psychedelic medicine in the United States, Cooley and Kahl are determined to take their healing journey as far as possible, seeking out underground practitioners who can provide them with access to the medicine. Through their journey, they meet with several experts in the field of psychedelic therapy and learn about the potential benefits of psychedelic medicine in treating PTSD.

Throughout the film, we see the impact of war on the lives of Cooley and Kahl, as well as the struggles they face as they navigate their way through the VA healthcare system, which has been criticized for its lack of support for veterans struggling with PTSD. We also see the tremendous healing power of ayahuasca, as Cooley and Kahl begin to experience a sense of emotional release and catharsis that allows them to confront their emotional pain and move forward in their lives.

The film offers a deeply personal and emotional perspective on the impact of war on veterans and their families, as well as the potential for innovative therapies to help heal the wounds of war. Through the use of stunning cinematography and raw, unfiltered storytelling, the film offers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of two veterans as they seek to reclaim their lives and overcome the debilitating effects of PTSD.

In the end, From Shock to Awe is a powerful and moving film that offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of war and the potential for innovative, non-traditional therapies to help heal the wounds of combat. By sharing the personal journeys of Cooley and Kahl, the film offers a glimpse into the lives of veterans struggling with PTSD and the ongoing battle to find effective treatments for this devastating condition. With its honest, authentic portrayal of the human experience, From Shock to Awe is a must-see film for anyone interested in the impact of war on veterans and the potential for psychedelic medicine to help transform lives.

From Shock to Awe is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.