If you’re not yet familiar with the late journalistAnna Politkovskaya’s incredibly brave true story, look it up. Sure, your research might spoil the ending, butAcademy Award-winner Sean Pennis probably hoping that’s not the sole reason you’re tuning in. Instead, tag along with Anna (portrayed with quiet intensity bySay Nothingstar Maxine Peake) as she heads straight into the battleground amid the Second Chechen War, which spanned from 1999 to 2009. And yes, controversial Russian President Vladimir Putin was ruling then as well. Directed by James Strong (Broadchurch), the aptly-titledWords of Warhits theaters this week and is bound to be played in classrooms one day.
The same sort of complaints about Ava DuVernay’s insightful filmOriginmight be heard surroundingWords of War, in that you’ll feel like you’re really just being taught a history lesson instead of experiencing any sort of gripping entertainment. But if you’re able to muscle through the lulls,Words of Warwill certainly stick with you, especially the film’s immersive war-torn sequences. Brace for impact.
Related:We Wouldn’t Have ‘NCIS’ as We Know It Without This Iconic Political Drama
The Truth – at What Cost?
Words of War
The theatrical release ofWords of Waris purposefully timed to the United Nations’ World Press Freedom Day. But interestingly, it’s also coincidentally timed to the week of U.S. President Donald Trump celebrating 100 days of his second term in office as a head of state who has a certain rapport with Putin that is worthy of note (to put it mildly). You won’t really see Putin in the flesh anywhere inWords of War, but the Kremlin’s presence is felt in virtually every scene — especially those where Anna Politkovskaya (Peake) finds herself in the thick of ravaged parts of her own country. The world-renowned journalist and human rights activist embarks on her brave, in-person crusade in the film’s first act, after finally getting the OK from her amicable but perpetually reluctant editor Dmitry (Belfaststandout Ciarán Hinds).
Then there’s the back-and-forth with Anna’s loving family back home about her newfound drive to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people. In Anna’s mind, what could possibly be bad about getting to the bottom of widespread political corruption amid the Russian war, even if she foresees possible acts of intimidation and/or violence in retaliation? Of course, husband and offspring say “not so fast” at the terrifying notion. And this is where your favorite actors on the small screen of late can be spotted inWords of War— unfortunately, said performers are reduced to one-trick-pony roles opposite the more layered Anna. First, there’s Jason Isaacs (future Emmy nominee forThe White Lotus) as Anna’s handsome, TV-personality husband Sasha, a lazy life partner who has the audacity to shun his wife’s journalistic passions.
Then, there’s rising star Harry Lawtey (outstanding in HBO’sIndustry) as Anna’s troubled son Ilya, a grown lad who still acts childishly and has tunnel vision at the thought of his “ma-ma” pursuing her bold career. It’s quite reasonable to fear for your mother’s safety and to even resent her for putting her own life at risk for the sake of a story, no matter how important it is for Russia’s people. But Ilya’s needy and overbearing antics grow quite tiresome, as he constantly lashes out at his embattled mother again and again whenever she returns home to update her family about what she’s unearthing about their country’s controversial political forces.
Related:Bucha Review: A Brutal True Story Looks at Russia’s War on Ukraine
Here’s to the Journalists
WhenWords of Warshifts gears and focuses on Anna mingling with good-natured Russian locals who help her discreetly gather files and resources for her growing story, you’ll find yourself re-immersed in the heroine’s journey. Even Anna’s occasional scenes opposite her boss Dmitry back at the office are insightful and engaging enough. It may be jarring that these Russian characters are portrayed by English-speaking characters, in a modern age where authenticity is becoming more and more attractive in cinema, but perhaps that can be forgiven if you may get lost in the gripping true story here.
Words of Warmay bring to mind the words of acclaimed filmmaker Alex Garland, who went out of his way in 2024 to voice support for all the journalists who do what it takes to get to the root of a game-changing story. Let’s not forget that his penultimate film — beforeWarfare— wasCivil War, which caught many by surprisewhen it focused primarily on photo journalists. Anna, a star journalist who shined in her profession, was ultimately murdered in an elevator near her apartment, and it’s still “unclear” who funded the contract killing.
The nature of Anna’s death may also bring to mind the recent passing of Russian opposition leaderAlexei Navalny, who died in prison after being put behind bars following his campaign against Putin. The fascinating documentaryNavalnywon its well-deserved Oscar in 2023, and the leader’s legacy lives on. Between Anna’s story and his, one has to wonder about the future of their own nation. What would a modern-day dictatorship look like in the West, and what might happen to the journalists who try and uncover any hypothetical dark truths behind it?
From Rolling Pictures,Words of Warwill be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 2.
