Aldo G
An in-depth understanding about the enhanced interrogation tactics (aka, torture) used against terrorists and suspected terrorists might help better to better appreciate the film's motivations. Whatever you bring to the picture, you will likely walk away appreciating the acting.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/16/25
Full Review
N P
"Camp X-Ray" showcases a beautiful, unlikely friendship between a small-town Guantanamo Bay guard and a good natured, misunderstood detainee. It explores the depths of a corrupt system, one-sided stereotypes, unfair power dynamics and inhumane treatment of other people - in this military scope. It's truly eye-opening and heart-wrenching, yet at the end of the day, there is hope. Kristen Stewart and Payman Moaadi exhibit a natural and enigmatic repertoire and bond amongst the backdrop of a raw, unforgiving landscape. Highly recommend.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/17/24
Full Review
Ralph R
As a fan of Kristen Stewart, Camp X-Ray felt like an intimate exploration of her ability to embody complex emotions. Stewart's portrayal of Private Amy Cole was nothing short of captivating-her quiet strength and vulnerability brought the character to life, making her moral dilemmas deeply relatable. Watching her navigate the challenging environment of Guantanamo Bay, you could feel the internal conflict that defines her journey.
One of the standout aspects of the movie was the chemistry between Stewart and Peyman Moaadi, who played Ali Amir. Their interactions carried much of the emotional weight of the film, adding nuance to the otherwise stark contrast between a soldier and a detainee. Moaadi's performance was poignant, offering glimpses of humanity and resilience, which made you wish the film delved deeper into his character's story.
This brings me to the one significant shortcoming of the movie-the missed opportunity for better pacing and more balanced storytelling. With nearly two hours of runtime, the film focused heavily on Cole's perspective while leaving the detainees' backstories and character development underexplored. Given the rich potential of such a setting, this felt like an oversight. It wasn't just a missed narrative opportunity; it also impacted the emotional depth of the film, which could have been much stronger if we had seen more of the detainees' humanity and struggles.
That said, the production and direction were solid, creating an authentic and immersive portrayal of life in Guantanamo Bay. The setting felt real, and the atmosphere added tension to every interaction. The film's quieter moments, though slow at times, were effective in highlighting the isolation and monotony that defined the characters' lives.
Overall, Camp X-Ray is a film worth watching, particularly for Kristen Stewart's heartfelt performance. While it could have been a more well-rounded story, the themes of connection, humanity, and moral ambiguity still shine through. It's a movie that lingers in your thoughts, not for what it achieved, but for what it could have achieved with a more balanced approach.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/04/24
Full Review
Viktoria K
very powerful. there is a grey, not just a black and white
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/11/23
Full Review
meghan b
I have no idea why this movie got 75%.. I'm no movie guru but the scenes feel like an hour long throughout the whole movie. Basically just two people talking the entire movie going absolutely nowhere ..Also horrible acting.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
03/21/23
Full Review
ronald h
"Camp X Ray," with its deliberate pace and lack of hyperbolic action, may not appeal to some viewers. But as an actors' movie, it excels.
Kristen Stewart is Amy Cole, an Army private assigned to monitor the detainees at Gitmo (known as Camp X Ray among the residents). Virtually all, of course, are middle easterners suspected of terrorist activity, or at least having information about it. They are "detained" in tiny cells, some for many years.
Peyman Moaadi is Ali, a detainee who tries to get under Amy's skin with taunts and insults. One insult is particularly sickening, but we can't help but understand his anger, even though we have no idea if he is guilty or withholding terrorist information.
Little by little, the two begin a cautious relationship, carried on through the small glass window in Ari's cell. At one point, Amy looks through the reports on Ari, which show that he has been mercilessly tortured.
Stewart's performance is a study in restraint and containment. We can see that she develops some pity for Ari, who has been imprisoned for eight years, but as a good soldier, she can't show it. It sets up a tension that is sustained throughout.
Moaadi's performance is equally impressive. Is he trustworthy? Is he a terrorist? He complains that he can't get a copy of the seventh Harry Potter book, one small thing to break the monotony of his interminable detention.
Filmmaker Peter Sattler, who wrote and directed, avoids the temptation to wallow in sentiment and employ a lot of glaring symbolism. When he does use symbolism, it's simple and effective, as in a scene near the one hour mark in which the detainees are lined up kneeling and praying to Allah, while outside the building, the American flag is being raised and the soldiers are saluting it. Two different sets of beliefs: Is one superior to the other? Thankfully, Sattler doesn't take sides or preach; he just presents the facts.
"Camp X Ray" has no swelling soundtrack music or exaggerated melodrama. It's focused on a relationship between two people who are ostensibly enemies, and that's it. The lack of Hollywood thrills will frustrate some action-hungry viewers. But those who appreciate intelligent script writing and committed acting will be rewarded.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
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