As a title card somberly proclaims the events that follow are based on a true story, we find ourselves on the sun-kissed shores of Mauritania in northwest Africa. Here, we meet Mohamedou Ould Slahi, portrayed by Tahar Rahim, celebrating alongside his family in November 2001, just two months after the tragic September 11 attacks. Laughter and traditional dances fill the air during this joyful family celebration, but the peace is abruptly broken when Mohamedou’s friends bring up his life in Germany, sparking an unsettling visit from a Mauritanian policeman. The officer bears troubling news: in the wake of 9/11, the Americans have become apprehensive and are seeking out Mohamedou.
Concern is etched on Mohamedou's face as he agrees to speak with authorities, albeit needing a moment to change out of his traditional garb. In a quiet act of foreboding, he deletes contacts from his old cell phone, hinting at his instinctive understanding of the serious implications of this situation. Receiving permission to drive himself to the police station gives him a fleeting sense of autonomy, which he attempts to reassure his worried mother about: if they truly wanted to arrest him, they wouldn't let him drive. As he embarks on this uncertain path, he has no idea that his seemingly mundane life is set to spiral into a chilling journey of injustice.
Fast forward to February 2005, where we find Nancy Hollander, expertly brought to life by Jodie Foster, as she becomes intrigued by Teri Duncan, played by Shailene Woodley, during a Navy Law Conference in New Orleans. Nancy, seated behind Teri, requests a case file, and this seemingly innocuous act propels her into a labyrinth of legal entanglements centered on Guantanamo Bay. Over lunch with French lawyer Emmanuel, she learns of Mohamedou’s plight, leading her down a path of moral conviction and determination to uncover the truth behind his alleged connections to 9/11. Despite her colleagues' shock and disapproval at her choice to take on this case pro bono, Nancy is driven by an unshakeable belief in justice and due process.
In a twist, we see Stuart Couch, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, grappling with his newfound role as a Marine Prosecutor at a conference where he is informed about Mohamedou's case. Tensions are high, as it becomes clear that the administration desires a swift and harsh punishment for suspected terrorist connections. The weight of this case rests heavily on Stuart, amplified by the personal connection to the tragedy of September 11, which claimed the life of his friend Bruce Taylor. Suddenly, Mohamedou isn’t just a name on a list; his case becomes intertwined with Stuart’s grief and sense of duty.
As Nancy and Teri arrive at the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison, they face an unwelcoming environment filled with warnings – the reality of the isolated detention facility juxtaposed with their resolute intention to meet their new client, Mohamedou. Their initial meeting is nothing short of startling; Mohamedou's exuberant welcome is both disarming and heartbreaking. Through barriers of language and skepticism, they begin their dialogue, and Mohamedou’s plight begins to unfold to them—a story marked by endless interrogation and horrific conditions he has endured.
The scenes flow between their spirited conversations and the growing tension of Mohamedou’s legal battles. Meanwhile, we witness Stuart relentlessly poring over the details, attempting to piece together Mohamedou’s life and involvement with Al-Qaida, battling the assumption that he is simply a 'terrorist.' The narrative takes hold as he becomes known as the "Al-Qaida Forrest Gump," a testament to his presence in significant events without ever being a player in the dark games surrounding them.
Days blend into an oppressive haze as Mohamedou's feelings of despair are alleviated briefly by conversations with fellow detainees, like Marseille, who share words of camaraderie despite their dire circumstances. Meanwhile, Nancy and Teri confront challenges of their own as they dig deeper into Mohamedou’s case, uncovering devastating evidence that will challenge their trust in him and the foundations of their fight for justice.
By 2008, the anticipation grows as Mohamedou’s case reaches a critical legal juncture. A chorus of voices representing both the government and defense echo in the courtroom, where Nancy stands firm in her advocacy for Mohamedou. Just as hope seems to dim, a twist in the narrative reveals Mohamedou’s heartfelt letters as a potential lifeline.
As the curtains begin to lift on Mohamedou's story, we celebrate his eventual release in 2016, capturing the bittersweet joy of his liberation amid a backdrop of hard-earned peace and heartbreaking loss. The film envelops us in the very essence of resilience, bravery, and the unyielding belief in justice - a narrative adorned with poignant truths and indelible human experiences. In the end, we witness a triumph illuminated by the light of hope, where Mohamedou’s journey embodies the spirit of enduring freedom, underscored by a powerful refrain of “See you later, alligator.”
