Written by: Kelli Sweeting Sudik
When the battle ends on the frontlines, another begins at home.
Blending intimate observational scenes and animation, In Waves and War traces the surprising journey of three Navy SEALs - including Marcus Capone, co-founder of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) - tormented by trauma, to Mexico where they embark on a new mission: to rescue one another with powerful psychedelics whose unworldly effects shake them to their core and open a path toward healing. The film premieres Nov. 3 only on NETFLIX.
As millions prepare to stream this compelling film, we’re reminded of why VETS exists—to ensure no veteran has to fight their toughest battles alone.
A Mission Born from Personal Transformation
Marcus Capone served 13 years as a Navy SEAL, deploying multiple times and returning home changed. Like so many of our nation’s warriors, he experienced the lingering effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS)—conditions that conventional treatments failed to heal. It wasn’t until Marcus and his wife Amber turned to psychedelic-assisted therapy that a breakthrough occurred.
That healing journey didn’t just change one life—it sparked a movement. Together, Marcus and Amber founded VETS in 2019 to bring hope, resources, and access to thousands of veterans facing similar challenges.
The Documentary: Why In Waves and War Matters
Directed with raw honesty and cinematic power by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk,In Waves and War captures the personal journeys of elite warriors who dared to be vulnerable in the pursuit of healing. Produced by Jessica Anthony, Cohen and Shenk, and co-produced by Actual Films, Chicago Media Project, and Participant Media, the film blends intimate storytelling, striking animation by Studio AKA, and a stirring score by Bryce Dessner to bring these stories to life.
These are not just stories of trauma—they are stories of transformation. And they underscore a crucial truth: healing is possible, but access remains limited.
VETS is proud to support and elevate this film, not only because of Marcus Capone’s story, but because it echoes the experiences of hundreds of veterans served each year through the VETS’ Foundational Healing Grant Program.
What VETS Is Doing—and Why It Matters
Since its founding, VETS has:
- Funded over 1,100 grants for psychedelic-assisted therapy at vetted, third-party clinical facilities abroad - and will be close to 1,180 by end of year.
- Provided more than 6,727 hours of integration and preparation coaching.
- Supported groundbreaking research with institutions like Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and The Ohio State University.
- Helped drive policy change in Texas, California, and beyond to expand access to safe, monitored psychedelic therapies.
Join the Movement
In Waves and War is more than a film. It’s a call to action.
We invite you to watch the documentary, share its message, and stand with us in this fight to transform veteran healthcare.
- Read the In Waves and War Press Release .
- Learn more about In Waves and War here .
- Spread the word - every voice makes a difference.
Together, we can create a future where healing is possible for every veteran.