The Damned (2024 Minervini film)

The Damned is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Roberto Minervini. Set in 1862 against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the film follows a group of volunteer Union soldiers.

The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, on 16 May 2024.

Plot
The Damned follows a group of volunteer Union soldiers as they patrol territory in the western United States.

Cast

 * René W. Solomon as Scout
 * Jeremiah Knupp as Scout
 * Noah Carlson as Scout
 * Tim Carlson as Sergeant

Production
Although director Minervini was born in Italy and lives in New York City, he resided in Texas for a decade and created a number of films about the region that blur the lines between documentary and narrative filmmaking. The Damned serves as Minervini's first traditional narrative feature.

Minervini began developing The Damned in 2020. He travelled to Helena, Montana the following year and spoke to members of the National Guard about participating in the film. He also involved previous collaborators such as Tim Carson.

The cast and crew established a campground in Montana and allowed locals to come and go to be a part of the film. The team worked without a script and shot in chronological order.

Release
The Damned premiered on 16 May 2024 in the Un Certain Regard portion of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Critical reception
Film critic Carlo Valeri on Sentieri Selvaggi (magazine) described it as "an ambitious counter-history of the United States carried out by the Italian director all along," while Elisa Battistini on Quinlan points out that it is "a work that with great brilliance deals with war and its absurdity." Gian Luca Pisacane on Cinematografo.it also notes that "Minervini abandons the documentary, but does not lose the political, social gaze that has always characterized him."