The Dissident

Review by Paula L. Reynal

The short: 

A documentary describing events leading up to and following the murder of journalist, activist and reformer Jamal Khashoggi. 

The long:

This engaging and enlightening documentary follows the events in Jamal Khashoggi’s life and career leading up to him leaving his home country of Saudi Arabia, as well as the aftermath of his death following his disappearance at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul. The Dissident tracks the story of how a journalist that worked for the Saudi government for thirty years found himself fleeing his home country, branded a dissident, and ultimately working tirelessly alongside fellow Saudi activist Omar Abdulaziz to bring to light human rights issues in their home country. 

The documentary touches upon both Khashoggi’s personal and professional life. On the personal side, Bryan Fogel casts a light on the very essence of isolation that many dissidents find themselves after leaving their home countries. On the professional side, the documentary showcases the trials that journalists and activists in Saudi Arabia have to grapple with regarding the restraints on their work that they have. Of course, the movie centers its narrative on the murder of Khashoggi and the international outcry following it, but in many ways the work also showcases a number of other narratives that show the multiple layers that characterized Jamal Khashoggi’s life.  

The watch or not to watch:

Definitely worth a watch! The documentary engages its audience regardless of their degree of familiarity with the topic at hand and touches upon a number of incredibly salient topics of this day and age. It is simultaneously heartbreakingly inspiring and enraging.