Watch The Dissident

The Dissident is a gripping and provocative documentary directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Bryan Fogel, known for his previous work on "Icarus." Released in 2020, the film showcases a deep dive into the chilling murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi Arabian journalist, Washington Post columnist, and critic of Saudi Arabia's government.

The documentary opens with context about Jamal Khashoggi's life and his rise as a prominent media figure in the Middle East. Khashoggi, once an insider within Saudi royalty circles and an advisor to the government, began to increasingly voice his criticisms of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) policies and the clampdown on dissent and free speech within the kingdom.

The film takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the events leading up to and following the October 2, 2018, assassination of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khashoggi had gone there to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage to his Turkish fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, who plays a significant emotional role throughout the film as she recounts her personal loss and fight for justice.

Director Bryan Fogel painstakingly pieces together the puzzle of Jamal's disappearance through interviews, footage, and intense investigation. Contributions from global experts on Middle East politics, Khashoggi's friends and colleagues, and even the Turkish authorities, including Istanbul's Chief Prosecutor Irfan Fidan, aid in crafting a detailed narrative that seeks to uncover the truth behind the audacious act that shocked the world.

Crucially, the film also follows the story of Omar Abdulaziz, a young Saudi activist and dissident living in self-imposed exile in Canada. Abdulaziz's close collaboration with Khashoggi in dissenting activities against the Saudi regime, particularly their use of social media to counteract the state-supported propaganda, highlights the risks faced by dissidents both within and outside the kingdom's borders. Viewers get a glimpse into the insidious reach of the Saudi state, the surveillance and intimidation efforts to silence critics, and the alleged hacking of Jeff Bezos' phone, the owner of the Washington Post, where Khashoggi worked.

One of the key elements of The Dissident is its unflinching examination of the international implications of Khashoggi's murder. The film delves into the complex web of geopolitical relationships, the role of the US and other Western allies in their response to the crime, and the tradeoffs between moral accountability and strategic partnerships. It also sheds light on the economic ties, arms deals, and the political influence that Saudi Arabia holds on the global stage, raising hard questions about the cost of realpolitik in the face of human rights violations.

Technically, The Dissident employs a mix of traditional documentary storytelling with cinematic reconstructions, audio recordings, and graphic animations to create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant experience. Fogel's direction ensures that the narrative is not just informative but also immersive, drawing the audience into the severity and human cost of the fight for freedom of expression.

The tense political thriller aspect of The Dissident is elevated by the original score and the editing that deftly weaves together various strands of the story. It conveys the urgency and danger that dissidents like Khashoggi face, and amplifies the call for justice and accountability. The documentary's pacing maintains the tension throughout, keeping viewers engaged and invested in the outcome, even as they might be aware of the grim reality.

By using a deeply personal approach, The Dissident also taps into the emotional undercurrents of those left behind. Khashoggi's loved ones, particularly his fiancée, along with other activists in exile, provide heartfelt testimonies of their grief, their courage, and their unyielding quest for answers. These narratives are central to the film's power, transforming it from a mere retelling of events into a potent human story about the cost of telling the truth.

While largely celebrated for its investigative prowess and cinematic execution, The Dissident also courted controversy and faced challenges in distribution, reportedly due to the sensitive nature of its content and the potential backlash from powerful entities implicated in the saga. Nevertheless, its release created waves, prompting discussions about press freedom, the duty of governments to protect journalists, and the true price of international diplomacy when human rights are on the line.

In essence, The Dissident serves as not only a testament to Jamal Khashoggi's life and work but also as a wider commentary on the state of free speech, the role of journalism, and the precariousness of dissent in a world where such values are increasingly under threat. It's a must-watch for anyone who values freedom of expression and seeks to understand the complex dynamics of modern geopolitics.

The Dissident is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 81.