heading in very different directions until after landing in NY they find themselves driving cross country together, due to the cancellation of connecting flights.  Thus, the stage is set.

While together physically, each character goes through their own cycle of crisis, struggle and catharsis that brings them together in spirit.  The love and connection to family they sought in returning home evaporates rapidly in the hot sun but is gradually replaced with organic bonds among them. 

Iraq is not central to the theme but no one knows why we’re there other than “to survive.”  The smell of its collateral damage wafts in the wind throughout the movie- the lingering wounds to flesh and psyche, the post traumatic stress nightmares,  the death of relationships, an attempted suicide, and the knowledge that escaping its grip is both necessary and impossible.  Everyone at home is quick with patronizing platitudes of gratitude for their service but no one is really paying attention or cares – it’s easier to tune in to a mindless game show or talk about golf at the country club party or be consumed by an evangelist minister.