The story is set in 2005 and follows a four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team, comprising Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (played by Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (played by Emile Hirsch), and Matt “Axe” Axelson (played by Ben Foster). The team is sent on a mission, code-named Operation Red Wings, to capture or kill a high-ranking Taliban leader in the mountains of Afghanistan.
However, the mission takes a tragic turn when the SEAL team is discovered by local goat herders. Faced with the dilemma of whether to follow their rules of engagement and potentially compromise the mission or release the herders and abort the mission, the SEALs choose the latter. This decision leads to a fierce firefight with Taliban forces, and the SEALs find themselves in an intense and harrowing battle for survival.
As the title suggests, the film primarily focuses on the lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell, and his incredible struggle to survive in hostile territory while dealing with injuries sustained during the firefight. The film pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the SEALs and explores themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, and the harsh realities of war.
In the climax, Marcus Luttrell is discovered by local villagers who rescue him and eventually provide assistance. The resolution reflects on the heavy toll the mission took on the SEAL team and pays tribute to their bravery.
“Lone Survivor” received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of combat and the sacrifices made by military personnel. The film was particularly praised for its intense and gripping action sequences and the performances of the cast.