Megan Leavey (2017) Movie Review: A Touching Tale of Loyalty and Courage

In a cinematic landscape dominated by superhero blockbusters and high-octane action, Megan Leavey (2017) stands out as a quiet, powerful gem. Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite—best known for the documentary Blackfish—this biographical drama brings to life the real story of Megan Leavey, a young Marine who finds purpose and redemption through her partnership with a military working dog named Rex. Starring Kate Mara in the titular role, alongside a strong supporting cast including Common, Edie Falco, and Bradley Whitford, the film balances war’s harsh realities with a deeply human narrative. With a modest $15 million budget and a worldwide box office of $14.5 million, it didn’t set the charts ablaze, but its 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and enduring fanbase prove its emotional resonance. Eight years on, Megan Leavey remains a must-watch for dog lovers, military buffs, and anyone drawn to stories of grit and grace. What makes it so special? Let’s break it down.

Plot Overview: From Aimless Youth to War Hero

Megan Leavey opens in 2001, introducing us to Megan (Kate Mara), a 20-something drifter from upstate New York. Reeling from her best friend’s death and stuck in a dead-end job, she’s lost—her strained relationship with her mother Jackie (Edie Falco) and stepfather Jim (Will Patton) only deepens her isolation. On a whim, Megan enlists in the Marine Corps, seeking structure and escape. Boot camp is brutal, but a chance encounter with the K9 unit changes everything. Assigned to clean kennels as punishment, she catches the eye of Gunnery Sergeant Massey (Common) and earns a shot at becoming a dog handler.

Enter Rex, a fierce German Shepherd with a reputation for aggression. Their early days are rocky—Megan’s inexperience clashes with Rex’s stubbornness—but a bond forms through rigorous training and mutual trust. Deployed to Iraq in 2005, they become an elite team, sniffing out IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in Ramadi and Fallujah. The film doesn’t shy away from the tension of war: roadside bombs, sniper fire, and the constant threat of death loom large. A harrowing IED explosion injures them both, sending Megan home with a Purple Heart and PTSD, while Rex stays behind, reassigned to another handler.

The second half shifts focus to Megan’s fight to bring Rex back. Facing bureaucratic red tape from the Marine Corps, which deems Rex too old and injured for adoption, she rallies support from her father Bob (Bradley Whitford), a senator’s office, and even the media. It’s a slow, emotional battle, culminating in a bittersweet reunion that’ll leave you reaching for tissues. Based on the real Megan Leavey’s story—she and Rex lived together until his death in 2012—the film honors their legacy with authenticity and heart.

Kate Mara as Megan: Quiet Strength in Uniform

Kate Mara delivers a career-defining performance as Megan Leavey, capturing the character’s transformation from lost soul to steadfast warrior. Known for House of Cards and Fantastic Four, Mara trades glamour for grit here, her petite frame dwarfed by military gear yet radiating resolve. Early scenes show Megan’s vulnerability—her slumped shoulders and guarded eyes speak volumes—but as she bonds with Rex, Mara unveils layers of determination and quiet courage.

A standout moment comes during a training exercise, where Megan calms Rex mid-snarl, earning his trust and proving her mettle. In Iraq, her steely focus during bomb sweeps is palpable, while post-injury scenes reveal the toll of PTSD—panic attacks, detachment—all handled with nuance, not melodrama. Mara’s chemistry with Rex (played by a real military dog named Varco) is the film’s heartbeat; their unspoken connection feels raw and real, a testament to her subtle, grounded work. It’s not a flashy role, but it’s one Mara inhabits fully, making Megan a hero you root for every step of the way.

Supporting Cast: Anchors and Allies

The ensemble bolsters Mara’s performance with depth and warmth. Common, as Gunny Massey, brings gravitas and dry humor to the K9 unit’s tough-but-fair leader. His mentorship scenes with Megan—like teaching her to “speak Rex’s language”—add a paternal spark. Edie Falco shines as Jackie, Megan’s brash, flawed mother; their rocky dynamic grounds the story in messy family ties. Bradley Whitford’s Bob, a recovering alcoholic dad, offers tender support later on, his understated charm shining in the adoption fight.

Tom Felton, as fellow Marine Andrew Dean, adds a flicker of romance and camaraderie, though his subplot feels underdeveloped. Ramon Rodriguez’s Corporal Matt Morales, Megan’s wartime partner, brings levity and loyalty, while real-lifehandlers in cameo roles lend authenticity. And let’s not forget Varco as Rex—his soulful eyes and disciplined energy steal every scene, making him the film’s unsung MVP.

Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s Direction: Restraint Meets Realism

Gabriela Cowperthwaite, stepping from documentaries to narrative features, directs Megan Leavey with a documentarian’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s heart. She avoids war-movie clichés—no slow-mo heroics or overblown explosions here—in favor of a restrained, character-driven approach. The Iraq sequences, filmed in Spain and South Carolina, feel visceral yet intimate, with handheld cameras capturing the dust and dread of bomb sweeps. A tense moment where Rex sniffs out an IED, inches from disaster, is pure edge-of-your-seat filmmaking.

Back home, Cowperthwaite shifts to a softer lens, mirroring Megan’s emotional unraveling and recovery. The pacing, at 116 minutes, lingers on quiet beats—Rex’s training, Megan’s therapy—that some might find slow, but they build the bond that drives the story. Mark Isham’s score, gentle and stirring, underscores the mood without overwhelming it. Her choice to cast real military dogs and consult with Leavey herself ensures authenticity, from the K9 drills to the bureaucracy of Rex’s adoption. It’s not a flashy debut, but it’s a confident one, prioritizing truth over theatrics.

Themes: Duty, Healing, and the Power of Partnership

Megan Leavey is more than a war film—it’s a meditation on purpose and healing. Megan’s journey mirrors countless veterans: adrift until duty calls, then forever changed by service. Her bond with Rex transcends handler-dog dynamics—it’s a lifeline, pulling her from grief and giving her something to fight for. The film subtly tackles PTSD, showing Megan’s struggle to reintegrate without preaching; a scene where she flinches at a car backfiring says more than any monologue could.

The human-animal connection is the soul of the story, resonating with anyone who’s found solace in a pet. Rex isn’t just a tool—he’s Megan’s mirror, reflecting her resilience and scars. Broader themes—loyalty, sacrifice, the cost of war—hit harder in 2025, as military narratives evolve beyond glory to focus on the personal toll. It’s a tribute to unsung heroes, human and canine alike, who serve in shadows.

Why Megan Leavey Holds Up in 2025

When Megan Leavey hit theaters in 2017, it flew under the radar beside giants like Wonder Woman and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Yet its 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and 82% audience rating signal a sleeper hit that’s grown in stature. Critics praised its sincerity and Mara’s performance, though some found its pacing too deliberate. Fans, especially dog lovers and veterans, cherish its authenticity—real-life Megan Leavey called it “pretty spot-on,” high praise for a biopic.

It stands apart from war epics like American Sniper or Lone Survivor by focusing on a woman’s story and a K9’s valor, not just battlefield bravado. In 2025, with heightened awareness of mental health and military sacrifice, its themes feel timelier than ever. It’s not perfect—the romantic subplot fizzles, and the Iraq scenes could use more context—but its heart outweighs its flaws.

Final Verdict: A Tearjerker Worth Revisiting

Megan Leavey is a poignant, beautifully acted tribute to an unlikely hero and her four-legged partner. Kate Mara and Varco’s Rex make it unforgettable, while Gabriela Cowperthwaite crafts a story that’s as moving as it is real. At 1 hour 56 minutes, it’s a slow build with a big payoff—bring tissues for the ending. Whether you’re drawn by the military angle, the doggo factor, or a craving for something sincere, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Where to Watch: Streaming on Hulu, available on Blu-ray/DVD, or rent on Amazon Prime.