COVID-19 Special: 'The Mauritanian' (15)

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Cast: Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodley, Benedict Cumberbatch

Where can I watch?: The Mauritanian is streaming on Prime Video

Rating: 4/5

Review: Director Kevin Macdonald has never been one to shy away from difficult subjects, and The Mauritanian further cements his reputation. The story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi's imprisonment without charge within notorious prison, Guantanamo Bay, is a particularly black mark in the US Government's stain-ridden back catalogue but, by bringing it to the screen, Macdonald has made the injustice even more horrific. Tahar Rahim takes on the role of Mohamedou in a truly excellent piece of casting. Rahim is a very likeable, engaging screen presence, and he utilises this affability with heart-breaking effect, drawing us in so that we feel each low acutely. Opposite Rahin are Jodie Foster, who recently picked up the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her depiction of real-life defence attorney Nancy Hollander, and Benedict Cumberbatch as dedicated army lawyer Stuart Couch. It's thanks to this cast that the film continues to succeed even when it feels heavy-handed. Flashbacks to Mohamedou's past are shown in a reduced aspect ratio, while memories of his childhood and experiences in Germany are depicted using a grainy filter - I can understand where Macdonald was coming from with this artistic choice, but it feels very clunky and obvious. At times, the film feels a little slow - how many times do we need to see people leafing through pages of redacted material? - but these instances are quickly counterbalanced with shocking revelations. Macdonald doesn't retreat from depicting the horrific and prolonged torture that Mohamedou experienced as a prisoner, but this particular sequence is never gratuitous, interspersed with shots of other characters learning the full extent of the crimes as the viewer watches on in abject horror. Once again, Macdonald proves he's not one to look away from the darker side of humanity...

A COVID-19 Must-Watch?: An undeniably tricky watch, The Mauritanian is an emotive, engaging film that lingers with you long after the credits. Helped through some of the clunkier sequences by the impressive acting on display, Macdonald's latest is certainly one to seek out, with the real-life footage at the conclusion paying homage to the incredible resilience of mankind in the face of such injustice.

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