Actress and journalist Hailey Gates makes her feature debut as a writer-director with the satirical Atropia, an unfunny comedy that squanders its intriguing concept and talented cast. Atropia follows an aspiring actress who takes an unusual job: playing a role in war simulations in a training camp designed to replicate the streets of Iraq for U.

“Atropia” is a masterfully dark satire because of how loud its subtleties are whilst remaining laugh-out-loud hilarious. With its stunning direction and acting, this relevant and innovative venture is sure to make its mark within the wider canon of American war films.

Like many of the independent films that premiered at this muted edition of Sundance, “Atropia” has not yet sold to a distributor.