Impressively restrained in its flirtation with full-bore horror, it’s a reminder that when inhumanity is the everyday norm, there may be few things more futile -- or dangerous -- than the stirrings of individual conscience.

The four wartime stories in “Bad Roads” fall short on delivering any meaningful insight into the nature of conflict, relying instead on moments of lackluster tension and shock value that greatly overstay their welcome.

Although the various episodes don't quite add up to a strong narrative whole, they do gain extra resonance from current events in this troubled region.

The apprehension and heaviness in Bad Roads may put you off, but it won’t leave you indifferent.