Many films about the aftermath of war focus on a soldier’s return home. Sheepdog, however, examines the longer-term consequences — the challenges of living with the effects of military service.
Written, directed by, and starring Steven Grayhm (The Secret of Sinchanee), the story centers on decorated U.S. Army veteran Calvin Cole, who is court-ordered into treatment and must face the personal and psychological consequences of combat, fractured family relationships, and unresolved trauma.
Released theatrically on January 16, 2026, Sheepdog was filmed in Western Massachusetts and tackles its subject matter through the lens of post-traumatic growth, showing that there is a real possibility of rebuilding life rather than focusing solely on suffering.
The film features Vondie Curtis-Hall (The Night House, Gridlock’d, “Daredevil”), Virginia Madsen (Sideways, Candyman, “Designated Survivor”), Dominic Fumusa (“Dexter: Resurrection”, Nurse Jackie), Lilli Cooper (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Hazbin Hotel), and Matt Dallas (Along Came the Devil, Kyle XY). Curtis-Hall plays a Vietnam veteran whose involvement in Calvin’s life prompts a generational reflection shaped by the experiences of two very different wars.
Ahead of the film’s release, CinemaChords spoke with Fumusa and Dallas about bringing Sheepdog to the screen, the story’s emphasis on responsibility and healing, and the difficult process of building a life from the challenges left behind by service, while allowing room for both growth and recovery.
