The film is structured around a Thanksgiving Day halftime show during a Dallas Cowboys football game, where Billy Lynn (played by Joe Alwyn) and his squad are being celebrated for their bravery in Iraq. Throughout the day, Billy reflects on his wartime experiences, the realities of being a soldier, and the disparity between the war’s brutal truth and the public’s perception.
As the halftime show progresses, Billy becomes increasingly conflicted about the glorification of the war and his role in the spectacle. He struggles with the disconnection between the patriotic fervor on display and the trauma he experienced in combat.
The climax of the film takes place during the halftime show. There is a moment when Billy is offered a chance to leave the military and join a movie about the squad’s heroics. However, he ultimately decides to return to active duty, feeling a sense of duty to his fellow soldiers and a desire to fulfill the commitment he made.
The movie ends with Billy boarding a bus to return to his military base. The closing scenes reflect the contrast between the high-energy, patriotic spectacle of the halftime show and the somber, introspective reality of Billy’s journey back to war. The film explores themes of the impact of war on soldiers, the public’s perception versus the lived experience of combat, and the complexities of heroism.
“Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” is known for its use of high frame rate technology, which enhances the immersive and realistic portrayal of the story. The ending leaves viewers with a thought-provoking and emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers returning from war and the societal expectations placed upon them.