Where do we draw the line for what's justified to do, when extracting information from a suspected terrorist? Brilliantly exploring this very complex question, this highly intense drama faces us against ourselves, as we are obliged to consider our true position on the fundaments of human rights. It may be easy to say
that pain-inflicting interrogation forms are wrong in their very essence, but what if that person holds information that could save a million lives or more? Or what if he was one of the perpetrators behind a terrorist act that killed someone you knew? Would you still say no to the implementation of torture? No matter your answer to that, you can be sure that this movie will have you fully involved. Michael Sheen, who keeps growing on me as an actor with every movie I see him in, delivers a raw, enthralling and emotionally powerful performance, as a sly and unyielding muslim terrorist. It's a very up-close sort of film, that for the most part takes place in the interrogation room. But it's precisely that level of focus that makes us fully invested into the characters. Samuel L. Jackson is exceptional in one of the leads, and provides an intimidating anti-thesis to the solicitous FBI agent played by Carrie-Anne Moss. Not easily digested stuff, but if you can manage its discomforts, this is well worth taking the time to see. A riveting morality tale, of great contemporary and intellectual worth.
December 28, 2010
Top Critic
