Plenty of narrative films released since an Anglo-American alliance invaded Iraq in 2003 have attempted to capture the psyche of returning American soldiers—perhaps none more convincingly than Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, whose brief coda masterfully depicted the depression of an adrenaline-addicted soldier numbed by his stateside domesticity. Others, like Jim Sheridan’s 2009 Brothers, have opted for post-traumatic melodrama. How is the other half of the coalition coping? Not too well, if the 2010 British film In Our Name is any indication. In the film, which shows as part of West End Cinema’s “From Britain With Love” series, writer and director Brian Welsh charts the post-combat life of Suzy (Joanne Froggatt, an English television actress), a soldier readjusting to her home and family. In Our Name received mixed reviews when it played in the U.K. last year, though Froggatt was praised for her collapse into madness. Stiff upper lips crumble easily; emotional breakdowns, wall punching, and child endangerment ensue. (Benjamin R. Freed) The film shows at 7:30 p.m. at West End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW. $11. westendcinema.com.

MUSIC

Darwin Deez has the worst hair in indie rock. But his gleeful pop songs aren’t half bad. Catch the headbanded angel boy on the Black Cat Mainstage with Caged Animals tonight. 8 p.m. $13.

Bill Callahan‘s show at Rock & Roll Hotel is sold out, people! Maybe if you place your head on the bar floor upstairs, you’ll be able to hear his broody baritone. Or, say “screw it,” and drive down to Wolf Trap to see Huey Lewis & The News at 8 p.m. $25 on the lawn, $42 in-house.

Contemporary bluesman Chris Thomas King—-who tasted fame for his contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack—-plays two sets at Blues Alley tonight. On his forthcoming double album Antebellum Postcards, King plays an impressive number of stringed instruments and draws heavily from Nashville; a press blurb compares the album to Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. $20.

In the non-live music category: Eclectic Parisian Joakim DJs at U Street Music Hall with Fixed NYC DJs Dave P and JDH (though Blondes will perform live). 9 p.m. $8.

BOOKS

Perhaps in advance of Bastille Day, France expert Ina Caro reads from her book Paris to the Past: Traveling Through French History by Train at Politics & Prose. 7 p.m. Free.

FAIRFAX GETS WEIRD

Fairfax, home of Avant Fairfax, is rapidly becoming a hotbed of noise music. Case in point: Tonight’s show at the Candle Haus featuring Fat Worm of Error, Metalux, and Kohoutek. If you go to this house show, please don’t congregate in the street and driveway—-it pisses off the neighbors. 7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation.