In the Valley of Elah is a thought-provoking and mysterious drama that was inspired by true events. Created by acclaimed writer/director Paul Haggis (Crash), and starring three Oscar winners - Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron and Susan Sarandon, this tale of war and its effects on family is poignant in its realistic portrayal of an important issue in modern society.
Upon return after serving a stint in Iraq, Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) goes missing and is reported AWOL. When his father Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones), a former military police officer, and mother Joan (Susan Sarandon) get the fateful phone call with the disturbing news, Hank falls into his natural role of investigator as he looks for answers to what happened to their son. Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), a New Mexico police detective who has issues at work because of a previous intimate relationship to her commanding officer, reluctantly helps Hank take on the case.
As the two discover a growing amount of evidence, suddenly the simple missing person's case begins to look like foul play. Sanders finds herself in a power struggle with military officials who for some reason want to put a lid on the investigation, but she and Hank fight on for answers, as both of them embody 'never give up' personalities. When the truth about what happened to Mike in Iraq begins to unfold, Hank's beliefs about life are deeply challenged. Forced to question his identity and beliefs about his career and nation, he stops at nothing to find out what happened to his son.