The Devil's Double

In 1985, amidst the chaos of the Iran-Iraq War, soldier Latif Yahia is unexpectedly summoned by the regime to become a fedai, or political decoy, for Uday Hussein. This request comes as he is reminded of his physical resemblance to Uday, stemming from their school days together, which complicates his already tumultuous life.

Initially resistant to the regime's demands, Latif's defiance leads to dire consequences as he faces imprisonment and brutal torture. Faced with threats against his family, he ultimately submits to the pressures of Uday's world, beginning a dangerous journey.

To effectively impersonate Uday, Latif undergoes extensive cosmetic procedures, enhancing his resemblance to the playboy son of Saddam Hussein. Over the following three years, he masters Uday's larger-than-life persona and lifestyle, which immerses him in opulent luxury.

Latif enjoys a life filled with opulence, including extravagant parties, luxurious palaces, and expensive cars like Uday's Ferrari Mondial 3.2. Despite the allure of his new existence, he wrestles with the moral implications of his actions and the violent tendencies of Uday.

In a bid to reconnect with his family, Latif attempts to escape Uday's decadent lifestyle. However, his escape is short-lived as he is captured and severely punished by Uday’s guards, reinforcing his entrapment in this perilous situation.

As tensions escalate in Iraq, Uday's volatility becomes increasingly apparent. This is especially evident when he abducts a 14-year-old girl to attend a party, showcasing his sadistic tendencies and culminating in the murder of his own bodyguard, Kamel Hana Gegeo, in an act of rage.

After the shocking murder, Saddam Hussein lashes out at Uday, expressing regret about his son's existence. This moment reveals the deep familial discord and the chilling reality of Uday's erratic behavior, leaving a haunting impression of his madness.

In January 1991, as the Gulf War escalates, Latif is dispatched to Basra to rally support among Republican Guard soldiers. The tension of the situation culminates in a near-fatal assassination attempt on him, highlighting the perilous nature of his impersonation.

Latif is confronted by the father of one of Uday's victims, who urges him to seek justice. In a moment of intense pressure, Latif teeters on the edge of despair as Uday flips the conversation, demanding further violence, pushing Latif to the brink.

Latif and Uday's lover, Sarrab, attempt a daring escape to Malta, hoping to break free from Uday's violence. However, Sarrab’s fear for her child's safety leads her to betray Latif, leaving him vulnerable once again to Uday's wrath.

Determined to reclaim his life, Latif plots to return not as Uday’s puppet but to confront him. Partnering with an ally driven by vengeance, he embarks on a dangerous mission to put an end to Uday's terror during a 1996 assassination attempt.

The assassination attempt culminates in a brutal confrontation where Latif and his ally manage to severely injure Uday. In a twist of fate, Latif surprisingly receives an act of mercy from one of Uday's bodyguards, marking a pivotal moment in his struggle.

Following the assassination attempt, Latif successfully changes his identity and relocates to Ireland, where he starts a new life with a family of his own. He pens a book chronicling his harrowing experiences, providing a lens into the tumult of his past.

Although Uday survives the assassination attempt, he ultimately meets his end at the hands of U.S. forces during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His demise underscores the brutal consequences of a regime defined by violence and tyranny.