Director: Peter Sattler; Screenwriter: Peter Sattler; Starring: Kristen Stewart, Peyman Moaadi, Lane Garrison; Running time: 117 mins; Certificate: TBC

What really happens to those souls on either side of the cell walls in Guantanamo Bay? Camp X-Ray strives for an authentic representation, opening with real news footage depicting the smouldering Twin Towers on 9/11. Yet it frequently fails to merge those aspirations of realism with the narrative structures and conventions of Hollywood cinema.

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Lead actors Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi deliver highly-convincing portrayals as camp guard Amy and 'detainee' Ali - the word 'prisoner' is significantly forbidden from use. Initially devoid of emotion, Amy is worn down by Ali's persistence to strike up a rapport from his cell, with their interactions and her changing outlook forming the crux of the movie.


Lead actors Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi deliver highly convincing portrayals as camp guard Amy and 'detainee' Ali...


Amy's transition is problematic, as her shift from a clearly aggressive and seemingly cold person to a warm and receptive one is extremely jarring, as if the character is controlled by plot function rather than inherent nature. It's a forced progression. None of this is Stewart's fault, who plays each scene to precision and exudes an inner melancholy that provokes intrigue about Amy's background.

Her wonderful two-handed scenes with the brilliant Moaadi, best known for Oscar-winning Iranian film A Separation, are well helmed by director Peter Sattler, who gives fluidity to such a static environment. They give life to pertinent ethical issues that make us confront what is happening in the world today, without being too didactic and judgmental.

Sadly it often feels too easy to predict what will happen next between Ali and Amy, as the storytelling devices (primarily a Harry Potter book) are so formulaic, with each payoff clearly signposted. You'd expect this contrived dramatic orchestration in sentimental mainstream Hollywood movies, not this.

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