Following the Vietnam War, the United States suspended the military draft. Fast-forward to modern times. Faced with the situation in Iraq, the draft is reinstated in the upcoming film Day Zero, which will be shown in theaters this fall.

Day Zero gives us a glimpse into the lives of three young men living in New York City who’ve just found out that they’ve been drafted. They have 30 days to report for duty. Dixon, Rifkin, and Feller are best friends, although they lead very different lives. Dixon (Jon Bernthal) lives a solitary life and drives a cab. He is ready and proud to serve, that is, until he meets someone and now has something to lose. Rifkin (Chris Klein) is married and has a rising career as an attorney. Having just made partner in his firm, he’s looking for a loophole escape serving. Feller (Elijah Wood) is a writer, and he’s working on his second novel. His first novel was a smash hit, but now he’s facing a severe case of writer’s block with his second. So, he puts together a list of “Top 10 Things to Do Before I Serve.” Over the course of the 30 days leading up to the time the three men are expected to report for duty, they are faced with confronting long-held beliefs about life, death, courage, and love, and will find their relationships, not only with eachother, but also with their families and partners, put to the test. Who will show up willingly? Who will try to find a way out? And who will be taken in kicking and screaming?

The themes of the film will undoubtedly hit very close to home, as the war in Iraq continues to rage on. Rumors of draft reinstatements have surfaced several times in the post 9/11 United States. Day Zero gives us a look at what like might be like if things continue to drag on in Iraq, necessitating the reinstatement of the draft.

Day Zero opens in New York theaters on November 2nd, with wider releases scheduled soon after. Also starring in the film is Ginnifer Goodwin of Big Love fame, who plays Rifkin’s wife.