Megan Leavey

Written By Apo July 1, 2026 Add Comment

Megan Leavey

The true story of Marine Corporal Megan Leavey, who forms a powerful bond with an aggressive combat dog, Rex. While deployed in Iraq, the two complete more than 100 missions and save countless lives, until an IED explosion puts their faithfulness to the test.

Movie Information

Release Date	2017-06-09
Runtime	116 Minutes
Language	EN
Rating	7.264/10

Story Summary

Marine Corporal Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) is assigned to a military working dog, Rex, an aggressive Belgian Malinois. Together they deploy to Iraq, where they complete over 100 combat missions, detecting explosives and protecting fellow soldiers. Their partnership saves numerous lives. After an IED explosion injures Rex, Leavey fights to adopt the dog, confronting military bureaucracy and personal doubts, ultimately proving the unbreakable bond between a soldier and her canine companion.

Review

Megan Leavey delivers an emotionally resonant war drama anchored by Kate Mara's earnest performance and the charismatic presence of the canine co-star. The film balances gritty combat sequences with heartfelt moments, highlighting the often-overlooked role of military working dogs. While the narrative follows a familiar biopic structure, the genuine chemistry between Leavey and Rex elevates the story, offering both tension and tenderness. The supporting cast adds depth, and the direction maintains a steady pace, though some plot points feel streamlined for dramatic effect.

Main Cast

Kate Mara
Ramón Rodríguez
Tom Felton
Bradley Whitford
Will Patton
Sam Keeley
Common
Edie Falco
Damson Idris
Shannon Tarbet

Official Trailer

Watch Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the dog in the film the actual Rex?

The dog playing Rex is a trained Belgian Malinois, not the real Rex, but the performance was designed to closely mirror the real dog's behavior.

Did Megan Leavey appear in the movie?

Megan Leavey does not appear on screen; the role is portrayed by Kate Mara.

Was the film shot on location in Iraq?

No, the combat scenes were filmed in the United States, primarily in New Mexico, using set designs and special effects to simulate Iraq.

How accurate is the depiction of military dog training?

The training sequences were consulted with actual military dog handlers and aim to reflect authentic procedures, though some dramatization is present for narrative flow.