The Mauritanian (2021)

An attorney (Jodie Foster) takes on the case of a Guantanamo prisoner (Tahar Rahim) who is being held prisoner for alleged 9/11 crimes for 3 years (he would be held a total of 14 years) but with no charges pressed. Based on the non fiction book GUANTANAMO DIARY by Mohamedou Ould Slahi (played by Rahim in the film) and directed by Kevin McDonald (ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER). For the most part, this is a riveting tale from start to finish. One can wish that the film was a little more distinctive in its approach rather than taking the usual generic "true story" slant which compromises its effectiveness. But the narrative is so engrossing (and infuriating) that it steamrolls over such nitpicking. Foster gives an excellent no nonsense performance but it's Tahar Rahim who provides the humanity linchpin that propels the film. That a person could go through such torture and abuse for years without going insane is mind boggling. With Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley, Zachary Levi and David Flynn.