Megan Leavey (2017) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Megan Leavey (2017), directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, is a heartwarming and emotional biographical drama based on the true story of a young Marine and her bond with a military combat dog. Starring Kate Mara in the titular role, the film explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the deep connections that can form between humans and animals, especially under the most challenging circumstances. This review will delve into the film’s plot, its standout elements, and where you can stream or purchase Megan Leavey online.
Plot Overview
The film follows Megan Leavey (Kate Mara), a young woman struggling to find direction in her life. After a series of personal setbacks and a strained relationship with her family, Megan decides to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. During her time in training, she is assigned to the K-9 unit, where she meets Rex, an aggressive and highly skilled German Shepherd used for detecting explosives.
Initially, Megan struggles to control Rex, but over time, they form a deep bond built on trust, respect, and mutual dependence. Together, Megan and Rex are deployed to Iraq, where they participate in over 100 missions, saving countless lives by detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The film depicts the challenges and dangers they face during their deployment, as well as the psychological toll it takes on both Megan and Rex. After a particularly harrowing mission where both are injured, Megan is sent back to the U.S., and Rex is assigned to another handler. Struggling with PTSD and the separation from Rex, Megan embarks on a mission of her own: to reunite with Rex and adopt him after he is retired from service.
Megan Leavey is a story of perseverance, the unbreakable bond between a soldier and her dog, and the fight for the rights of military working dogs after their service ends.
Why Megan Leavey (2017) Stands Out
Megan Leavey is a film that stands out for its heartfelt portrayal of the human-animal bond, particularly in the context of military service. The movie does an excellent job of highlighting the crucial role that military working dogs play in combat zones, as well as the emotional connections that develop between the handlers and their dogs.
Kate Mara delivers a powerful and understated performance as Megan Leavey, capturing the character’s vulnerability, determination, and growth throughout the film. Mara’s portrayal is both authentic and relatable, making the audience root for Megan in her quest to reunite with Rex.
Rex, the German Shepherd who plays a central role in the film, is more than just a supporting character; he is an essential part of the story’s emotional core. The film successfully conveys the intelligence, loyalty, and bravery of military working dogs, and the scenes between Megan and Rex are particularly moving.
The direction by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, who previously directed the acclaimed documentary Blackfish (2013), brings a strong sense of realism to the film. Cowperthwaite’s background in documentary filmmaking is evident in the way she captures the grit and intensity of the combat scenes, as well as the quieter, more intimate moments between Megan and Rex.
The film’s pacing is well-balanced, alternating between action-packed sequences in Iraq and the more introspective moments of Megan’s struggle with PTSD and her determination to bring Rex home. The script, written by Pamela Gray, Annie Mumolo, and Tim Lovestedt, is straightforward yet effective, focusing on the emotional journey of the protagonist.
Another aspect of the film that stands out is its portrayal of the challenges faced by veterans returning home, particularly those dealing with PTSD. Megan’s story is one of resilience and healing, and her bond with Rex becomes a symbol of hope and recovery. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the difficulties faced by veterans but does so in a way that is respectful and genuine.
Where to Watch Megan Leavey (2017) Online
If you’re interested in watching Megan Leavey (2017) online, several streaming and rental options are available in the United States. Here’s where you can find this touching and inspiring drama:
Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Megan Leavey is available to stream with an Amazon Prime subscription. If you’re a Prime member, you can watch the film at no additional cost.
- Hulu: The film is not currently available on Hulu, but it’s worth checking periodically as their library is frequently updated.
- Peacock: Megan Leavey may be available on Peacock as part of their streaming library, especially during certain times of the year.
Rental/Purchase Options:
- Amazon Prime Video: For those who prefer to rent or own the film, Amazon offers rental options starting at $3.99 and purchase options at $12.99 in HD.
- Apple iTunes: Apple users can rent Megan Leavey for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99. The platform offers the movie in HD quality, making it a solid choice for Apple users.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers the movie for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $14.99. The platform’s versatility across devices makes it an accessible choice.
- Vudu: On Vudu, Megan Leavey is available for rental starting at $2.99, with purchase options around $14.99. Vudu provides various viewing quality options, including HDX.
Subscription Services:
- Netflix: Megan Leavey is not typically available on Netflix US, but availability may vary, so it’s worth checking the platform during your search.
- Disney+: The film is not part of the Disney+ library.
Why You Should Watch Megan Leavey (2017)
Megan Leavey is a film that resonates on multiple levels, offering both an engaging story of personal growth and a heartfelt tribute to the bond between humans and animals. The movie provides an insightful look into the world of military working dogs and the sacrifices made by both the dogs and their handlers.
The film’s emotional depth, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of military life make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in stories of courage, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship. It’s also a film that will particularly appeal to animal lovers and those who appreciate true stories of perseverance and dedication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Megan Leavey (2017) is an inspiring and emotionally impactful film that tells the true story of a Marine and her loyal combat dog. With strong performances, particularly from Kate Mara, and a story that highlights the importance of the bond between handlers and their military dogs, the film is a touching tribute to the sacrifices made by service members and their canine companions. Its availability on various streaming and rental platforms ensures that this powerful story can be accessed by a wide audience, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate heartfelt and meaningful cinema.
