Combat Obscura, directed by Christian Lowe and released in 2018, is a groundbreaking documentary that offers a raw, unedited look at the experiences of United States Marines deployed to Afghanistan. The film, shot largely by the Marines themselves, offers a realistic portrayal of the realities of modern warfare, capturing both the chaos of combat and the emotional struggles soldiers face while on duty. At its core, Combat Obscura is a firsthand account of the daily lives of Marines stationed in Afghanistanās Helmand Province.
The film uses footage shot by the Marines themselves, allowing viewers to experience the war from their perspective. This choice of filming technique gives the documentary an authentic and immersive quality, as it captures everything from combat operations to the everyday moments of life in a war zone. The use of handheld cameras creates an intimacy that draws viewers into the soldiersā experiences, making them feel as if they are alongside the Marines on their arduous journey.
One of the filmās most striking features is its unflinching portrayal of the psychological and moral complexities of war. Unlike traditional war films that often glorify combat, Combat Obscura delves into the emotional toll that war takes on soldiers. Through candid interviews and recorded conversations, the documentary highlights the soldiersā feelings of fear, anxiety, and disillusionment, exposing the often hidden psychological scars left by combat. This focus on the mental health of service members adds depth to the story, prompting viewers to consider the lasting effects of war on those who serve.
Combat Obscura consists of video footage taken between 2011 and 2012 by Corporal Miles Lagoze and other cameramen from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, in Sangin-Kajaki, Afghanistan. A combat photographer, the footage was originally shot for recruiting and propaganda purposes. After realizing the film was unsuitable for propaganda because it featured Marines swearing and smoking marijuana, Lagoze had it declassified so he could keep it as a memento of his time in Afghanistan. Lagoze left the Marine Corps in 2013, and while studying film at Columbia University in 2018, he decided to begin compiling the footage into a documentary. Because the documentary was shot with government-owned cameras, the Marine Corps threatened to take legal action against Lagoze, but did not follow through, officially withdrawing the threat on February 28, 2019.
