The Mauritanian, released in February 2021, stands as a towering achievement in cinematic storytelling, showcasing Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch in roles that reveal new depths of their extraordinary talents. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, this legal drama, adapted from Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s bestselling memoir Guantánamo Diary, dives into the harrowing true story of Slahi’s 14-year imprisonment at Guantánamo Bay without charge. With Tahar Rahim delivering a heart-wrenching performance as Slahi, Foster and Cumberbatch shine as opposing lawyers navigating a labyrinth of injustice, morality, and personal conviction. Their performances, layered with nuance and intensity, elevate The Mauritanian into a gripping exploration of human rights and resilience, offering audiences a side of these iconic actors they’ve never seen before. As of August 27, 2025, the film continues to resonate, cementing its status as a modern masterpiece.
A Story Rooted in Truth
The Mauritanian opens in November 2001, in the tense aftermath of 9/11, as Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) is detained at a wedding in Mauritania and transported to Guantánamo Bay. Accused of being a key al-Qaeda recruiter based on circumstantial evidence—like a phone call from Osama bin Laden’s satellite phone and a night spent hosting a 9/11 hijacker—Slahi endures years of imprisonment and torture without formal charges. The film, set primarily in 2005, follows defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) as they take on Slahi’s habeas corpus case, demanding the U.S. government either charge him or release him. On the opposing side, military prosecutor Lt. Col. Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) grapples with his duty to prosecute Slahi while uncovering the brutal truths of his country’s interrogation tactics.
The narrative weaves between timelines, blending Slahi’s present-day legal battle with harrowing flashbacks of his imprisonment. Macdonald’s direction, paired with a script by M.B. Traven, Rory Haines, and Sohrab Noshirvani, uses shifting aspect ratios—claustrophobic 4:3 for torture scenes and widescreen for the present—to immerse viewers in Slahi’s psychological and physical ordeal. The film’s unflinching depiction of “enhanced interrogation” techniques, including sleep deprivation, waterboarding, and sexual humiliation, exposes the moral cost of America’s post-9/11 policies, making it a powerful indictment of both the Bush and Obama administrations.
Jodie Foster: A Steely Beacon of Justice
Jodie Foster, in one of her most commanding performances since The Silence of the Lambs, embodies Nancy Hollander with a steely resolve that masks a deep well of compassion. As a seasoned civil rights attorney, Hollander is driven by a fierce commitment to the rule of law, taking on Slahi’s case despite warnings from colleagues about the professional and personal risks. Foster’s portrayal is a masterclass in restraint; her Hollander is not a flamboyant crusader but a meticulous professional who shuffles through redacted documents and navigates bureaucratic stonewalls with quiet determination. Her sharp delivery of lines like “I’m not just defending him—I’m defending the Constitution” captures the character’s unwavering principles.
What makes Foster’s performance revelatory is her ability to convey Hollander’s gradual emotional awakening. Initially clinical, Hollander grows increasingly invested in Slahi’s humanity, a shift Foster portrays through subtle glances and moments of hesitation. A pivotal scene in a Guantánamo gift shop, where she shares an awkward drink with Couch, reveals her vulnerability—a rare glimpse of the woman behind the lawyer. Foster’s chemistry with Rahim is electric, particularly in their prison cell exchanges, where her stoic facade cracks just enough to reveal empathy. This role, which earned Foster a Golden Globe, showcases a side of her rarely seen: a blend of intellectual rigor and understated warmth that anchors the film’s moral core.
Benedict Cumberbatch: A Patriot’s Crisis of Conscience
Benedict Cumberbatch, sporting a thick North Carolina drawl, delivers a career-defining performance as Stuart Couch, a Marine prosecutor whose personal connection to 9/11—his friend was a co-pilot on United Flight 175—fuels his initial zeal to convict Slahi. Cumberbatch infuses Couch with a layered complexity, portraying him as a devout Christian and patriot whose belief in justice is tested by the government’s actions. His Southern accent, honed with dialect coaches, adds authenticity to a character grappling with the dissonance between duty and morality.
Cumberbatch’s standout moments come as Couch uncovers the extent of Slahi’s torture, particularly in a chilling scene where he reads unredacted reports detailing 70 days of relentless abuse. The actor’s expressive face conveys a slow unraveling, as Couch’s faith in his country’s righteousness crumbles. His decision to resign from the case, a bold stand against his superiors, is portrayed with quiet intensity, making Couch a compelling counterpoint to Hollander. Cumberbatch’s ability to balance stoicism with inner turmoil—seen in a heated confrontation with a military official—reveals a depth that transcends his previous roles, even his acclaimed turns in The Imitation Game or Doctor Strange. Fans on social media have praised Cumberbatch’s “heartbreaking” performance, with one X post declaring, “Benedict as Couch is the soul of The Mauritanian—you feel his world collapse.”
Tahar Rahim: The Heart of the Story
While Foster and Cumberbatch dominate as legal adversaries, Tahar Rahim’s portrayal of Mohamedou Ould Slahi is the film’s emotional heartbeat. Rahim, known for A Prophet, imbues Slahi with a quiet dignity and resilience that shines through even the darkest moments. His ability to convey warmth—joking about Ally McBeal or bonding with a fellow prisoner through a chain-link fence—makes Slahi’s humanity palpable, contrasting starkly with the dehumanizing treatment he endures. The torture sequences, shot with unrelenting realism, showcase Rahim’s physical and emotional commitment, as he portrays Slahi’s pain without losing his core strength.
The film’s final moments, featuring real footage of Slahi singing and smiling after his 2016 release, underscore Rahim’s success in capturing the man’s indomitable spirit. His performance, which earned a BAFTA nomination, has been hailed as a career-defining turn, with fans on X calling him “the unsung hero of The Mauritanian.” Rahim’s chemistry with Foster and Cumberbatch grounds the legal drama, making their characters’ arcs feel deeply personal.
A Masterpiece of Craft and Conscience
Kevin Macdonald’s direction elevates The Mauritanian beyond a typical legal drama. His documentary background (One Day in September) brings authenticity to the film, with meticulous attention to Guantánamo’s surreal details, from its razor-wire fences to its incongruous gift shop selling iguana plushies. Cinematographer Alwin H. Küchler’s use of contrasting visuals—sunlit Cuban shores versus Slahi’s windowless cell—amplifies the film’s emotional stakes. Tom Hodge’s score, blending percussive tension with lyrical interludes, enhances the narrative’s emotional depth without overwhelming it.
The film’s pacing, while deliberate, allows the weight of Slahi’s story to unfold organically. Macdonald’s decision to avoid sensationalism, particularly in the torture scenes, ensures that the focus remains on the human cost rather than gratuitous violence. However, some critics have noted that the nonlinear structure and heavy focus on Hollander and Couch can overshadow Slahi’s perspective, a point Foster addressed in a 2021 interview: “This is Mohamedou’s story, but we show it through multiple lenses to reflect the complexity of justice.”
Cultural Impact and Lasting Relevance
The Mauritanian has resonated deeply with audiences, earning a 75% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 7.5/10 on IMDb. Its release sparked renewed debate about Guantánamo Bay, which, as of 2025, still holds 40 prisoners, most without charges. The film’s unflinching critique of U.S. policies has drawn both praise and criticism, with some conservative commentators arguing it unfairly vilifies America, while others see it as a necessary reckoning. Social media discussions on X have highlighted its relevance, with posts like “The Mauritanian shows Foster and Cumberbatch at their peak, telling a story we can’t ignore.”
The performances of Foster and Cumberbatch have been a focal point, with fans marveling at their ability to inhabit complex, morally driven characters. Foster’s Golden Globe win and Cumberbatch’s BAFTA nomination underscore their impact, while Rahim’s understated brilliance has earned him a growing fanbase. The film’s streaming success on platforms like Amazon Prime, where it remains a top performer, reflects its enduring appeal.
A Transformative Showcase
The Mauritanian is a rare film that combines stellar performances with a powerful message, revealing sides of Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch that audiences have never seen before. Foster’s steely yet soulful Hollander and Cumberbatch’s conflicted Couch complement Rahim’s unforgettable Slahi, creating a trio of performances that linger long after the credits roll. As a meditation on justice, resilience, and the human spirit, the film stands as a masterpiece that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. For those yet to experience it, The Mauritanian is a must-see, showcasing two of Hollywood’s finest in roles that redefine their legacies.
