Traitor

Freelance bomb-maker Samir (Don Cheadle) moves explosives and explosive components for the right price and with all due respect. He also operates as an under-the-table contractor for the CIA and is loyal to the Muslim faith. During a weapons raid in Yemen, run by FBI Agents Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Archer (Neal McDonough) he is arrested and faces prison time there. Inside, he spends time with a terrorist, Omar, and, after a prison break, is invited to join Omar's cell. When the next attack is planned, his services are needed but whose side he's on is anyone's guess.

So many films these days are an examination of how the world is fighting the "War on Terror" against the onslaught of activities around our planet. And usually the point of view comes from the defensive. This film, however, illustrates the offensive, as we are inside the cell itself. And, because our protagonist, Samir, has undefined loyalties, we are unsure of the angle of support appropriate and our feelings are conflicted due to our emotional attachment to him. And the conflict is brilliant, meaning the story's been effective.

As always, Don Cheadle brings a thoughtful and thought-provoking presence to his character. His study of what it takes to be a terrorist, as well as the depth of the Muslim faith brings an authenticity to Samir that educates, inspires and connects us emotionally that we are horrified, kicked into action, or taught with every step he takes toward the cell's endgame. On the flip side, Guy Pearce's Agent Clayton also teaches, inspires and connects us to the defensive in different ways than Kieffer Sutherland's Jack Bauer does. Jack Bauer represents the muscle of the Counter Terror campaign whereas Agent Clayton is the brain and the soul. Clayton's understanding and empathy helps humanize the antagonism that the FBI represents in this film's atmosphere adding to the conflict in our feelings; do we or don't we want the attack to go forward as planned?

The escalating tension and the relocation to separate locations builds the payoff, enhancing the chase. Like other pursuit films before it, Traitor's cat-and-mouse drives with speed, intensity and does so very smoothly, painting a comprehensive picture of the terrorist/counter-terrorist struggle body, mind and soul.

***

In: Guy Pearce

Out: Don Cheadle

Coming Soon: Crash