REVIEW: The Mauritanian reveals Guantanamo Bay's ruthless cruelty through the eyes of the riveting Tahar Rahim

The Kevin Macdonald-directed The Mauritanian is based on the memoir of one-time Guantanamo Bay inmate Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who published the book in 2015 whilst still incarcerated. In what is widely considered a civil rights scandal, to this day the prison continues to operate, and remains infamous for holding prisoners without trial or charges.

The Mauritanian takes us back to the aftermath of 9/11, when Salahi - who fought with the Mujahideen in ‘90s Afghanistan - is handed over to the US by the Mauritanian government on account of suspected ties to Al Qaeda.

In her impressive screen return, Jodie Foster portrays the role of Nancy Hollander, a lawyer who takes on Salahi’s case with the help of associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). The pair must face off against military prosecutor Lt. Col. Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), whose friend was on one of the planes flown into the Twin Towers.

Macdonald recently revealed to Hot Press that Foster lobbied to give Hollander an arc by possessing a colder, more aloof temperament with her clients, until she forms an emotional bond with Salahi. Macdonald acceded, and the approach pays off, with Foster recently picking up a deserved Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actress.

Hollander transforms from defending the rule of law - whether her client is innocent or not - to defending Salahi as a friend and complex human being.

However, it’s protagonist character and Franco-Algerian actor Tahar Rahim’s powerful portrayal Salahi that truly drives the film. The Mauritanian has shipped criticism for excessive use of subplots, but it successfully depicts the fatal flaws of US imperialism.

Salahi is shown as a real person brimming with humour, positivity and knowledge, but also forgiveness. His identity does not revolve around his 14 years of mistreatment in Guantanamo Bay, nor does he feel any lingering sense of anger at the US, despite experiencing horrific torture and abuse.

The film could have been a thriller along the lines of Homeland; a verite account of Guantanamo’s horrors; or a character study of Salahi as a writer - and perhaps Macdonald’s attempts to include all of these various aspects detracts from the overall goal.

Nonetheless, despite the lack of focus on the individuals culpable for Salahi’s treatment, his light shines through. A tough but important watch, The Mauritanian's finale could move even the most jaded cynic to tears.