Backstabbing for Beginners

Year: 2018

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Per Fly

DramaHistoryThriller

An idealistic United Nations employee, Michael, finds himself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy when his mentor's true motives are revealed. Investigating the Oil-for-Food Program, he discovers a massive corruption scheme where billions of dollars intended to aid the Iraqi people were diverted by officials. Michael must navigate a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal as he uncovers the shocking extent of the fraud.

Backstabbing for Beginners (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the tense days leading up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the United Nations’ humanitarian arm is tasked with a delicate mission: delivering aid while navigating a maze of political intrigue. The film opens on the polished corridors of UN headquarters and the dust‑filled streets of Baghdad, where bureaucratic optimism clashes with the stark realities of a nation on the brink. A hushed, urgent atmosphere pervades, hinting at the fragile balance between idealism and the hidden forces that can upend it.

Michael Sullivan, a bright‑eyed newcomer with a tragic past, abandons a lucrative banking career to serve as an assistant to the charismatic under‑secretary‑general Pasha. Fresh out of a promising diplomatic posting, Michael is eager to prove himself, yet quickly senses that the glossy veneer of international aid hides deeper complexities. His mentor, Pasha, offers a gritty apprenticeship, teaching him that diplomacy is as much about navigating shadows as it is about forging alliances.

Amid the diplomatic tension, Michael encounters Christina Dupre, the seasoned chief UN diplomat in Baghdad, whose quiet determination hints at hidden concerns, and Nashim Hussani, a passionate UN worker dedicated to her Kurdish community. Their presence pulls Michael into a world where personal convictions, professional loyalties, and the weight of global scrutiny intersect. As he immerses himself in the program’s daily operations, the story sets a tone of quiet suspense, inviting viewers to wonder how far the pursuit of truth can go when the stakes are measured in lives, hope, and the fragile promise of aid.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:39

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Whistleblower Movies Like Backstabbing for Beginners

A lone truth-seeker exposes a vast conspiracy, at great personal cost.Explore movies like Backstabbing for Beginners that feature protagonists risking everything to expose corruption. If you enjoyed the tense investigation and moral conflict, you'll find similar stories of idealists confronting powerful, deceitful systems in these films.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a principled character discovering a hidden crime within a powerful organization. The story unfolds as an investigation, filled with obstacles, betrayals, and escalating danger, leading to a climax where the truth is revealed but the victory is often Pyrrhic, marked by personal loss and systemic inertia.

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Political Conspiracy Thrillers Similar to Backstabbing for Beginners

Navigate a treacherous world where allies are enemies and trust is a liability.Find movies similar to Backstabbing for Beginners that plunge you into high-stakes diplomatic intrigue and dangerous conspiracies. If you liked the tense atmosphere and themes of betrayal, these films offer more gripping stories of secrets and power.

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Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a central conspiracy with international implications, often based on true events. The protagonist, frequently an insider or an investigator, is caught in a game of cat-and-mouse with powerful, unseen forces. The narrative is propelled by a series of reveals and double-crosses that create a pervasive sense of paranoia and danger.

Why These Movies?

This thread unites films that generate a specific, gripping tension through their setting and premise. They share a high intensity, a dark tone focused on betrayal, and a steady pacing that methodically builds suspense around a world-altering secret.

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Backstabbing for Beginners Summary

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