The Mauritanian
Cert 15, 129 minutes, on Amazon Prime Video from 1 April
Starring: Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch Director: Kevin Macdonald
THE PLOT: When terror suspect Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Rahim) is detained without charge for years on end at Guantanamo Bay US military prison, lawyer Nancy Hollander (Foster) steps up to defend him – while US military prosecutor Stuart Couch (Cumberbatch) is tasked with securing a conviction. WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? The charismatic Rahim – recently on TV screens in The Serpent – is perfectly cast as Mauritania-born Mohamedou, whose optimistic spirit survived years of incarceration. WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? The writers have done a smooth job, but be advised that this tale of protracted legal wrangling does make some demands on the attention. VERDICT: Five Bafta nominations, including for Best Film and Best Actor, should help this richly compelling human drama find its audience.