In the Valley of Elah

In the Valley of Elah
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Paul Haggis
Screenplay by	Paul Haggis
Story by	Mark Boal Paul Haggis
Produced by	Patrick Wachsberger Steven Samuels Darlene Caamaño Loquet Paul Haggis Laurence Becsey
Starring	Tommy Lee Jones Charlize Theron Frances Fisher Susan Sarandon
Cinematography	Roger Deakins
Edited by	Jo Francis
Music by	Mark Isham
Production companies	NALA Films Samuels Media Blackfriars Bridge
Distributed by	Warner Independent Pictures (United States) Summit Entertainment (International)
Release date	September 14, 2007 (2007-09-14) (United States)
Running time	121 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$23 million[1]
Box office	$29.5 million[2]

In the Valley of Elah is a 2007 American crime drama film written and directed by Paul Haggis. The film stars Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, and Susan Sarandon. Its title refers to the Biblical valley where the battle between David and Goliath took place.

The film is based on actual events, although the characters' names and locations have been changed. The screenplay was inspired by journalist Mark Boal's "Death and Dishonor", an article about the murder case published in Playboy magazine in 2004.

It portrays a military father's search for his son and, after his body is found, subsequent hunt for his son's killers. The film explores themes including the Iraq War, abuse of prisoners, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).