Rosewater

The backstory alone iskiller. Why wouldDaily Showhost Jon Stewart make his filmmaking debut with the true story of Maziar Bahari, the Iranian journalist jailed for 118 days on charges of espionage, after he covered Irans 2009 presidential elections? It seems the married, London-based Bahari had also irked authorities by guesting on Stewarts show in a satirical skit about spying. A movie of Baharis 2011 memoir was the least Stewart could do.

That the movie is as tense and chilling as it is owes much to Stewarts keen eye for the way humor surfaces even in the dark places. And theres no resorting to the thriller tropes that helped sellArgo.Mexican actor Gael Garca Bernal plays Bahari. Hes exceptional in his scenes with the first-rate Kim Bodnia, the interrogator who mercilessly mindfucks Bahari with accusations and avoidance. Dubbed Rosewater for his scent, the character is less a clichd villain than a bureaucrat corrupted by a corrupt system. Kudos to Stewart for makingRosewatermore than an earnest plea for journalistic freedom. He makes it personal.