Scene from the movie, “The Keeper” (Photo: LAMA Entertainment)
“The Keeper,” an upcoming movie hitting theaters nationwide on Memorial Day, portrays the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Army Veteran George Eshleman, played by Angus Benfield. The film, based on true events, follows Eshleman as he embarks on a mission to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, a grueling 2,100-mile trek from Maine to Georgia, to raise awareness about Veteran suicide. Eshleman, who struggles with depression, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies, carries with him 363 military name tapes, each representing a Veteran who took their own life.
Eshleman’s journey is not just about physical endurance; it’s a profound battle against his inner demons. The Appalachian Trail, typically taking 5-7 months to complete, becomes a backdrop for his personal fight. Initially, Eshleman set out with a tragic plan to end his life on the trail, spurred by the loss of a close friend to suicide and his own haunting experiences from Operation Desert Storm. Eshleman saw the hike as his final act, but the community he found along the way changed his path.
As he traverses the trail, Eshleman encounters fellow hikers, both Veterans and civilians, who form a supportive network around him. These interactions, along with the name tapes he carries, start to shift his perspective. At a critical moment, Eshleman contemplates suicide, but the memories of the Veterans he honors and the people he meets pull him back from the brink. The name tapes, representing his fallen comrades, become a lifeline, reminding him of his mission and the importance of his own survival.
Eshleman realizes that his mission extends beyond just hiking; it is about reaching out to other Veterans battling similar struggles and conveying the message that they are never alone. This newfound purpose propels him to complete the hike and continue advocating for mental health awareness among Veterans.
Co-directed by Marine Corps Veteran Kendall Bryant Jr. and written by U.S. Navy Veteran Todd Tavolazzi, “The Keeper” brings authenticity and emotional depth to Eshleman’s story. As the film was shot, the crew encountered numerous Veterans who shared their own stories of pain and survival.
At the beginning of May, “The Keeper” premiered in 16 theaters across the country, including a special event in Los Angeles with a red carpet and a live Q&A session. The movie has already received positive reviews, winning Best Independent Feature Film at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards.
During the premiere, The American Legion’s Be the One Veteran suicide prevention program was featured, emphasizing the Legion’s ongoing efforts to support Veterans in crisis.
For Veterans experiencing a crisis, the Veterans and Military Crisis Line is available 24/7. Contact 988 via phone or text, chat at 988lifeline.org, or online at veteranscrisisline.net.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
