Valiant One, the military thriller directed by Steve Barnett, dives headfirst into the high-stakes story of a U.S. Army helicopter crashing in North Korean territory. Starring Chase Stokes as Sergeant Edward Brockman and Lana Condor as Specialist Selby, the film sets out to deliver a pulse-pounding narrative of survival and heroism. This film wastes no time plunging viewers into the chaos of a routine mission gone wrong.
The story centers on a small team of non-combat reservists tasked with escorting a civilian tech specialist, Josh Weaver (Desmin Borges), to repair surveillance equipment near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. A sudden storm forces their helicopter off course, crashing deep in enemy territory. With communications down and their commanding officer, Chris Lebold (Callan Mulvey), killed, Brockman, an analyst with little field experience, must lead the survivors—Selby, Lee (Daniel Jun), Ross (Jonathan Whitesell), and Weaver—through hostile terrain to safety. The setup is ripe for tension, promising a classic tale of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges.
Chase Stokes delivers a solid performance as Brockman, embodying a reluctant leader, his transformation from a desk-bound soldier to a decisive commander, though the script doesn’t always give him the material to fully flesh out this arc. Stokes brings a quiet charisma, familiar from his “Outer Banks” role, but occasionally leans too heavily on a polished, camera-ready demeanor that feels out of place in the gritty military setting. Lana Condor, who I’m a huge fan of, shines as Selby, the film’s standout character. Her scenes, particularly those involving triage under pressure, showcasing her ability to anchor the emotional weight of the group. Condor’s chemistry with Stokes is a highlight, though the script doesn’t explore their dynamic as deeply as it could.
Director Steve Barnett, making his feature debut after a career as a producer, shows a knack for staging action on a limited budget. The shootouts are well-choreographed, but in some sequences the special effects can let it down. Thematically, the movie wants to celebrate the unsung heroism of reservists, emphasizing that “heroes aren’t born, they’re made.” It’s a noble sentiment, but the film’s reluctance to engage with the moral complexities of its setting—stranded soldiers in a politically charged region—makes it feel like a missed opportunity.
Despite its flaws, Valiant One has it’s moments. Fans of Stokes and Condor will find enough to enjoy in their performances, even if the story doesn’t fully capitalize on their talents. For those looking for a fast-paced, no-frills thriller, Valiant One delivers just enough to satisfy, thanks largely to Stokes and Condor’s committed performances.
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