'The Mauritanian' Trailer: Jodie Foster Defends An Accused Terrorist In A New Political Drama

Sometimes, you watch a trailer and you don’t even need to see more than 15 seconds and understand that it’s tailor-made for Oscar voting. That’s the case with the upcoming political/courtroom drama, “The Mauritanian.”

With its cast of big names and a timely story involving a relatively recent political controversy, “The Mauritanian” is exactly the type of film that fits that “Oscar Bait” category. The film is based on the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a detainee in Guantánamo Bay, that is imprisoned without charges by the US Government for years. He is then represented by an American defense attorney that aims to prove that he is innocent and should be released.

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The all-star cast of the film includes Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Zachary Levi, Saamer Usmani, Shailene Woodley, and Benedict Cumberbatch. With the release date upcoming, the film is already in the discussion for awards consideration, with Tahar Rahim and Jodie Foster both nominated for Golden Globes for their performances in the drama. “The Mauritanian” is directed by Kevin Macdonald, who is probably best known for his features “The Last King of Scotland,” “State of Play,” and “Touching the Void.”

“The Mauritanian” is set to arrive in select theaters and VOD on March 2. You can watch the new trailer below.

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Here’s the synopsis:

Directed by Kevin Macdonald and based on the NY Times best-selling memoir “Guantánamo Diary” by Mohamedou Ould Slahi. This is the inspiring true story of Slahi’s fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years. Alone and afraid, Slahi (Tahar Rahim) finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) who battle the U.S. Government in a fight for justice that tests their commitment to the law and their client at every turn. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by a formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), uncovers shocking truths and ultimately proves that the human spirit cannot be locked up.