The Correspondent is a 2024 biographical legal thriller directed by Kriv Stenders and written by Peter Duncan. The film stars Richard Roxburgh, Julian Maroun, Rahel Romahn, Yael Stone, and Mojean Aria. It is based on the true story of Australian journalist and foreign correspondent Peter Greste, who was arrested in Cairo and accused of spreading false news and aiding the Muslim Brotherhood.
The film is adapted from Greste’s 2017 memoir, The First Casualty, and it delves into the harrowing experiences he faced during his imprisonment in Egypt. The plot focuses on Greste’s arrest, trial, and the international outcry that followed. The film effectively uses flashbacks and tension to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, even though they know the outcome.
Richard Roxburgh delivers an outstanding performance as Peter Greste, although is arguable that he was inappropriately cast due to being significantly older than Greste was at the time of his imprisonment. Age is important to the narrative; it makes more sense for a mid-career journalist to take a Christmas fill-in shift in Egypt, with all the risks this entailed, than a journalist who looks like he is on cusp of retirement. Roxburgh himself, though, mentioned that he did not attempt to imitate Greste but instead focused on empathetically reaching into his experience. Rahel Romahn also shines in the film, stealing the show with his charisma, comedic timing, and emotional depth as Greste’s backgammon buddy and co-accused Baher Mohamed.
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to immerse the audience in Greste’s experience. Every time he emerges from his cell, the audience becomes aware of developments in the outside world at the same time he does. This approach gives viewers an insight into what it feels like to be locked away and deprived of information. The film also explores the inner turmoil Greste faced during his imprisonment, turning it into a spiritual journey where he is left with only his regrets and burdens. Each imprisoned character copes with the trauma in their own way; it gives the viewer pause to reflect on how we might respond in similar circumstances. Overall, The Correspondent is a fantastic exploration of both political and personal turmoil. It effectively uses flashbacks and tension to create a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
The Correspondent is now showing at Palace Nova East End and Palace Nova Prospect.
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