Watch Kingdom of Silence

Kingdom of Silence is a 2020 documentary film that offers a detailed account of the life, work, and tragic death of one of the most prominent journalists in Saudi Arabia, Jamal Khashoggi. The film, directed by Rick Rowley, explores the complex circumstances surrounding the killing of the journalist in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, shedding light on the events that led to his murder and the subsequent cover-up attempts by the Saudi government.

The film features extensive interviews with Khashoggi's family members, friends, and colleagues, who share their memories and insights into the journalist's life and work. It also includes interviews with several experts on Middle Eastern politics and human rights, who provide context and analysis of the events that Khashoggi reported on and the forces that opposed him.

The film is anchored around the work of journalist and author Lawrence Wright, who also serves as the film's narrator. Wright, who had known Khashoggi for several years prior to his death, shares his own experiences and reflections on the journalist's career, as well as his own investigation into the events surrounding his killing.

One of the main themes of the film is the tension between Khashoggi's beliefs and values as a journalist and the political realities of Saudi Arabia, where he had previously served as an advisor to the royal family before going into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017. Through interviews with Khashoggi's colleagues and friends, the film paints a picture of a journalist who was deeply committed to his craft and saw his role as holding those in power accountable, regardless of their ideology or nationality.

The film also explores the complex geopolitical context of Khashoggi's work, including the rise of authoritarianism in the Middle East and the entanglement of Saudi Arabia with global politics and economics. Through interviews with experts in these fields, the film offers a nuanced perspective on the forces that drove Khashoggi's reporting and ultimately led to his death.

In addition to its in-depth exploration of Khashoggi's life and work, the film also delves into the events surrounding his murder in detail. Through interviews with Turkish officials and intelligence agents, the film offers a compelling account of the planning and execution of the operation, as well as the attempts by Saudi Arabia to cover up its involvement. The film also sheds light on the response of the international community to the killing, including the role of the United States and other governments in the aftermath.

Overall, Kingdom of Silence is a thought-provoking and deeply moving documentary that offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of Jamal Khashoggi and the political forces that ultimately led to his tragic death. Through powerful interviews and expert analysis, the film helps to contextualize Khashoggi's work within the larger geopolitical context of the Middle East and offers a timely reminder of the crucial role that journalists play in holding power accountable.

Kingdom of Silence is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.