Plastic Men's first performance takes place at Upper West Side's Triad Theater
Last week, the psychological war drama "The Plastic Men" made its premiere at the Triad Theater on the Upper West Side, New York City. The event was hosted by the local group One Man Army (OMA), led by Aaron Dalla Villa, CEO and founder.
Based on a true story of a viral craigslist ad, "The Plastic Men" is a gripping portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran suffering from PTSD. Directed by Samuel Gonzalez Jr., an Iraq War veteran himself, the film stars James Preston, Aaron Dalla Villa, and Melanie Martyn.
The film has been described as "bold, disturbing, and deeply human," offering a unique take on psychological horror that sparks difficult conversations and forces viewers to confront challenging psychological realities. It portrays a haunting meditation on the ghosts that can result from traumatic experiences, providing a powerful depiction of PTSD and paranoia following war trauma.
After the screening, a panel discussion was held, involving Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Aaron Dalla Villa, Melanie Martyn, James Preston, Gregori J. Martin (Emmy® Award-winning producer), and Rodger Pinto (Director of Policy & Advocacy for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). The panel discussed themes such as trauma, memory, and survival, as well as the ongoing need for veteran support.
"The Plastic Men" is distributed by Glass House Distribution and is now available on VOD. For updates on future screenings and One Man Army events, follow @onemanarmy.nyc on Instagram.
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its intense, psychological focus on war aftermath and mental health, distinguishing it from typical horror films and generating meaningful conversations around its themes. It is noted as a film with strong psychological depth based on an untold true story, which resonates with viewers looking for serious, thought-provoking content within the horror/psychological drama genre.
In the words of Aaron Dalla Villa, "art is a disruptor, not a glorifier of conflict." With "The Plastic Men," he and his team have certainly achieved that, offering a raw and unflinching look at the psychological toll of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- The intense psychological focus on war aftermath and mental health presented in "The Plastic Men" sets it apart from typical horror films, fostering meaningful conversations within the health-and-wellness sphere, particularly regarding mental health.
- Following the success of "The Plastic Men," One Man Army (OMA), led by Aaron Dalla Villa, has continued to explore themes such as psychological trauma, memory, and survival, expanding their initiatives into areas like science, entertainment, and health-and-wellness.
