TIFF 2024: Men of War
Men of War at TIFF 2024: A Real-Life Thriller That’s Part Rambo, Part Fyre Fest
Imagine Rambo meets Fyre Fest, but this time, it’s real—and it’s a total disaster. That’s exactly what Men of War, a new documentary from filmmakers Billy Corben and Jen Gatien, brings to the table. Premiering at TIFF 2024, this film dives into the bizarre and tragic events of Operation Gideon, an ill-fated attempt by American-trained mercenaries to overthrow the Venezuelan government in 2020.
The Story: Mercenaries, Mistakes, and Mayhem
In May 2020, a group of about 60 insurrectionists, led by American mercenaries, attempted to infiltrate Venezuela by boat with the goal of taking down the government of Nicolás Maduro. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Dubbed Operation Gideon, this botched mission is now the focus of Men of War, a documentary that takes a deep dive into the tragicomedy of errors behind this failed coup attempt.
At the center of it all is Jordan Goudreau, a complex and enigmatic figure. Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Goudreau joined the Canadian military at 17, before switching to the US forces for more action. After a decorated career in special ops, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Goudreau struggled to adapt to civilian life, like many vets. That’s when he launched Silvercorp, his own security company. In the hunt for clients, he found himself mixed up with Venezuelan opposition leaders and controversial figures, all while planning this ill-fated mission.
Why You’ll Be Hooked
- Stranger Than Fiction: If you thought the plot of Rambo was a stretch, wait until you see the real-life absurdity of Operation Gideon. This story blends military action, political intrigue, and the kind of mismanagement that would make Fyre Fest look like a well-organized event.
- Jordan Goudreau: A Complicated Figure: Goudreau is a fascinating character—once a celebrated war hero, now the mastermind behind a failed coup. His story highlights the struggles many veterans face when trying to reintegrate into civilian life, and it raises big questions about what happens when governments train soldiers for combat, only to abandon them afterward.
- A Deep Dive into Miami’s Shadowy World: Directed by Billy Corben, whose previous work like Cocaine Cowboys explored the dark underbelly of Miami, Men of War takes you inside the world of Venezuelan opposition leaders and Miami’s power players. It’s a glimpse into a world of political intrigue and deception that most of us never see.
What Makes Men of War Stand Out
This documentary is more than just a recounting of a failed mission. Corben and Gatien use Men of War to ask tough questions about the role of soldiers once their fighting days are over. It’s a film about the complexities of war, power, and what happens when highly trained soldiers try to transition back into civilian life but end up lost in a world of conspiracy and violence.
The film is also a sharp commentary on covert US interventions in Latin America, echoing the country’s long history of political meddling in the region. But in the Trump era, this intervention takes on a new, almost absurd, tone—one where mercenaries are free agents, driven by personal ambition and a misguided sense of purpose.
When and Where to Catch Men of War at TIFF 2024
Here’s when you can watch Men of War at TIFF 2024:
- Friday, September 6 – 6:45 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Saturday, September 7 – 3:05 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Saturday, September 7 – 9:45 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Men of War is a fascinating, absurd, and sobering look at the real-world consequences of mercenary missions gone wrong. If you’re into documentaries that explore the darker, more complex sides of modern warfare and politics, this film is a must-see at TIFF 2024. It’s a story that feels too wild to be true—but it is.
Don’t miss this real-life thriller that will have you questioning the line between ambition, ego, and morality.
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