The Mauritanian
Movie Trailer
Release Date
February 12, 2021
Genre
Drama, Legal Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Tahar Rahim as Mohamedou Ould Slahi
- Jodie Foster as Nancy Hollander
- Shailene Woodley as Teri Duncan
- Benedict Cumberbatch as Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch
- Zachary Levi as Neil Buckland
- Saamer Usmani as Arjun
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Last King of Scotland (2006)
- State of Play (2009)
- Touching the Void (2003)
- Black Sea (2014)
Producer
Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Beatriz Levin, Lloyd Levin, Mark Huffam, Kevin Macdonald, Benedict Cumberbatch
Writer
M.B. Traven, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani (based on the memoir “Guantánamo Diary” by Mohamedou Ould Slahi)
Budget
$14 million
Production Company
20th Century Studios, STXfilms, BBC Film, Wonder Street
Running Time
129 minutes
Languages
English, Arabic
Maturity Rating
R (for violence, sexual assault, language)
Content Advisory
- Graphic depictions of torture
- Intense violence
- Strong language
- Depictions of sexual assault
- Disturbing themes
Movie Story
The Mauritanian is based on the harrowing true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim), a Mauritanian man who was detained for 14 years without charge in the Guantánamo Bay detention camp. The film chronicles his struggle for freedom, focusing on the legal battle led by his defense attorney, Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster), and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley).
Slahi is accused of being a key recruiter for the September 11 attacks, but the evidence against him is questionable at best. The movie delves into the challenges of defending someone presumed guilty by the U.S. government and public opinion. As Hollander digs deeper into the case, she uncovers shocking details about the U.S. government’s use of torture and the lengths they went to secure a confession from Slahi.
Parallel to the defense’s investigation, the film follows Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), a military prosecutor who initially seeks the death penalty for Slahi. However, as Couch learns more about the brutal interrogation methods used, he begins to question the ethics of the prosecution and the legitimacy of the evidence.
The narrative is a powerful examination of justice, human rights, and the impact of fear on morality. Through Slahi’s eyes, we witness the psychological and physical torment he endured, while his resilience and hope for justice serve as the emotional core of the film. The Mauritanian ultimately raises important questions about the rule of law, the consequences of the war on terror, and the price of justice.
Special Effects
The special effects in The Mauritanian are subtle, with a focus on creating a realistic and immersive environment. The film’s portrayal of Guantánamo Bay is stark and oppressive, using practical effects to emphasize the harsh conditions of the detention center. Flashback sequences depicting Slahi’s torture are intense and harrowing, utilizing a combination of practical makeup effects and realistic sound design to convey the brutality of his experiences.
Box Office Performance
The Mauritanian had a limited theatrical release followed by a digital release due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It grossed approximately $8 million worldwide. The film gained attention more for its critical acclaim and awards season buzz than for its box office performance, with particular praise for Tahar Rahim’s and Jodie Foster’s performances.
Filming Locations
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Notable Quotes
- “We are not prisoners, we are detainees without rights.” – Mohamedou Ould Slahi
- “The truth will come out. The world will know what they did to me.” – Mohamedou Ould Slahi
- “What if you’re wrong? What if he’s innocent?” – Nancy Hollander
Behind-the-Scenes
- Tahar Rahim prepared extensively for the role of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, including losing a significant amount of weight to authentically portray Slahi’s physical state during his detention.
- The film is based on Slahi’s memoir, Guantánamo Diary, which he wrote during his imprisonment. The book became a bestseller and brought international attention to his case.
- Jodie Foster received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Nancy Hollander, marking a significant return to form for the actress in a leading role.
Awards
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster)
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Tahar Rahim), Best Adapted Screenplay
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Tahar Rahim), Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster)
Final Verdict
The Mauritanian is a gripping and emotionally charged legal thriller that sheds light on a dark chapter in recent history. With outstanding performances, particularly from Tahar Rahim and Jodie Foster, the film offers a sobering look at the human cost of the war on terror. Kevin Macdonald’s direction balances the intense drama with moments of humanity and hope, making The Mauritanian both a compelling watch and a thought-provoking commentary on justice and morality.
IMDb Rating
7.4/10